North East - gov.uk...• recreational diving (including diving near protected areas), • sea...

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North East Social Policy groupings: Access Defence Employment Fisheries Governance Heritage Assets Infrastructure Seascape Social Tourism and Recreation HLMOs addressed by policies: Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its natural and cultural heritage and its resources and act responsibly. The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing to resilient and cohesive communities that can adapt to coastal erosion and flood risk, as well as contributing to physical and mental wellbeing. The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use. There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community. Use of the marine environment will recognise, and integrate with, defence priorities, including the strengthening of international peace and stability and the defence of the UK and its interests. Promoting good governance Marine businesses are subject to clear, timely, proportionate and, where appropriate, plan led regulation Achieving a sustainable marine economy Infrastructure is in place to support and promote safe, profitable and efficient marine businesses See also individual policies linked in templates. This is summarised on the cover page of each group of policies

Transcript of North East - gov.uk...• recreational diving (including diving near protected areas), • sea...

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North East Social Policy groupings:

• Access• Defence• Employment• Fisheries• Governance

• Heritage Assets• Infrastructure• Seascape• Social• Tourism and Recreation

HLMOs addressed by policies:

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

• People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its naturaland cultural heritage and its resources and act responsibly.

• The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing toresilient and cohesive communities that can adapt to coastal erosion and flood risk,as well as contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.

• The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use.• There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and

their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island andperipheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

• Use of the marine environment will recognise, and integrate with, defence priorities,including the strengthening of international peace and stability and the defence of theUK and its interests.

Promoting good governance

• Marine businesses are subject to clear, timely, proportionate and, where appropriate,plan led regulation

Achieving a sustainable marine economy

• Infrastructure is in place to support and promote safe, profitable and efficient marinebusinesses

See also individual policies linked in templates. This is summarised on the cover page of each group of policies

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Plan area North East Grouping Access Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Other relevant policies NE-TR-1 NE-TR-2 NE-SCP-1 NE-HER-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW

SE

SW

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Policy drafting template –NE-ACC-1

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society.

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Access Code NE-ACC-1

Policy NE-ACC-1 Proposals, including in relation to tourism and recreation, should demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoid, b) minimise, c) mitigate significant adverse impacts on public access.

What is Access? 1. Access includes ‘physical’ access to the marine area to participate in recreational

activities, or associated facilities and infrastructure on land to enable and supportactivities in the marine area (for example paths, benches, slipways, car parks andmarinas). Access also includes ‘interpretative’ and ’virtual’ access that increaseawareness and understanding of the marine area. For example interpretationboards, viewpoints, signage, films, literature and web based interpretation tools.

Where does access take place in the north east marine plan areas?2. The north east plan areas comprises the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty, North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and 4 heritage coasts (NorthNorthumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland and Flamborough Head).The area has three main tidal rivers, the Tyne, Wear and Tees. Opportunities foraccess to the north east marine plan areas is focused around ports, harbours,heritage assets and tourist destinations. Access is also concentrated near to centresof population where general recreation activities frequently take place such as:

• pleasure boating,• sailing,• recreational diving (including diving near protected areas),• sea angling,• swimming,• kayaking,• paddleboarding and surfing,• cycling,• dog walking.

3. The Strategic scoping report report notes there are beaches in the north east marineplan area with good water quality, and the area is popular with surfers, due to thequality and consistency of the waves.

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4. The major ports of Tyne, Tees, Hartlepool and Sunderland create busy shipping

hubs with a variety of vessels, including ferries from the Port of Tyne. The region is important for landing large quantities of shellfish with major commercial fishing and shellfish ports at North Shields, with other landing ports at Staiths, Redcar, Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby. Traditional fishing harbours are also to be found at Amble, Boulmer, Craster, Beadnell, Seahouses, Holy Island and Berwick.

5. Whitby, Filey and Scarborough have a long heritage as popular tourist destinations while the Northumberland Coast is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Visitors are attracted to the numerous historic assets the heritage coasts contain. Visitors are also attracted to exposures of internationally important Jurassic and Cretaceous strata along the north east coast with associated plant and animal fossil sites. Historic wrecks are spread widely across the north east marine plan areas attracting divers to access the plan area, they are mapped in more detail in the inshore area. The north east plan area is a start or end destination for a number of popular tourist routes and several routes run along the coast increasing visitors numbers to the area. A large section of England’s Coastal Path is open from Filey Brigg all the way to Amble with plans to continue the path to Berwick upon Tweed. The National Cycle Route 1, runs all the way along the coast, including to Holy Island however it is currently closed between Whitby and Staiths. The coast to coast cycle route from the Cumbrian Coast of the Irish Sea to the Northumbrian Coast of the North Sea is a popular tourist route that starts or ends in the plan area. The Cleveland Way path and cycle route is another popular tourist route and runs from Filey to Saltburn by the Sea and then inland to Helmsley.

6. Highly mobile species are resident or regular visitors to waters of the north east marine plan areas. Many highly mobile species are charismatic and bring value for tourism and recreation through wildlife watching and employment at reserves, while appropriate recreation and tourism may bring opportunities for protection of species through increased public awareness and additional funding. When does access take place in north east marine plan areas?

7. Access to and within the plan areas takes place throughout the year but depends upon the type of access. Access to ports and harbours is continual with seasonal variation according to weather and fishing activity. Both tourism and recreation are subject to seasonal highs and lows throughout the year and across the north east marine plan areas with higher visitor numbers during the spring and summer months especially around historic buildings, seabird reserves, wrecks (through diving activities) and general recreational access to the marine environment. Why is access important to the north east marine plan areas?

8. This policy directly supports requirements in the Marine Policy Statement, it states’The provision of slipways, coastal footpaths and ensuring coastal access for example could encourage economic growth and highlights the importance of considering the links between marine and terrestrial plans’ (3.11.5). Provision for marine access is essential for realising the economic and social benefits for the north east marine plan areas. North east marine plan areas are important for tourism and this is predicted to continue over the lifespan of the marine plan according to MMO (2017) Futures analysis for the North East, North West, South East and South West marine plan areas (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/futures-analysis-for-the-north-east-north-west-south-east-and-south-west-marine-plan-areas-mmo-1127).

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Access will create opportunities to raise environmental awareness in users of the areas.

9. The issue of coastal access is also set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (S73 and S114) which states ‘access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities.’ It also notes that local planning authorities should ‘improve public access to and enjoyment of the coast’.

10. Public access plays an important role in supporting social benefits for local people and visitors to the north east marine plan areas, particularly in support of recreation and tourism. Improved access to the coast through the England Coastal Path Programme led by Natural Engalnd is expected to bring significant benefits to local economies and communities, recreational users, and to public health. This policy supports issues identified in the north east and attempts to protect access to estuarine, coastal and marine areas. Who is this of interest to?

11. All public authorities including Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, Planning Inspectorate, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Maritime Coastguard Agency , Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, Department for Transport, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Seafish, Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, tourism promotion agencies, destination management organisations, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, North York Moors National Park Authority, Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts’ management bodies. How should this policy be applied?

12. Proposals should demonstrate that they will in order of preference avoid, minimise or mitigate significant adverse impacts of construction, operation and decommissioning on existing public access . Proposals cannot proceed to (b)unless they have first demonstrated why they cannot meet (a) etc.

13. Inclusion of this information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

14. Established developments should be maintained to a suitable standard to make access available to as wide a range of users as practical.

15. Where this is not possible proposals must outline mitigation such as development of alternative access opportunities off site.

16. Public authorities should assess the potential impacts positive and negative, direct and indirect, permanent and temporary, as well as cumulative impacts on the access. Adverse impacts may include physically excluding access to parts of the marine area at all times or some times of the day or year. It is then necessary to

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confirm that the proposal will (in order of preference): not adversely impact on public access or have minimal adverse effects - this may be due to there being no rights of public access to the proposed site or through scope to provide for public access at certain times.

17. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on public access.

18. The issues presented in managing access are significant, contributing policies have been developed to consider potential impacts on marine protected areas, ecosystem goods and services, haul outs, breeding colonies, feeding grounds and on highly mobile species.

19. Construction plans should show evidence of regard for environmental implications in particular those on seasonal species such as over wintering birds or other migratory species. Signposting

20. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• The Marine Policy Statement • National Planning Policy Framework • Sport England Strategy

21. Local authorities (districts, unitary authorities, and counties) set out locally specific

plans for activities that enable diversification of economic activity through measures in related statutory plans

• Northumberland Local Plan • North Tyneside Local Plan • South Tyneside Local Plan • Sunderland Development Plan • County Durham Development Plan • Hartlepool Development Plan • Stockton on Tees Development Plan • Redcar and Cleveland Development Plan • Scarborough Development Plan

22. Existing Marine Information System data;

• Tourism and Recreation, • protected landscapes, • seascapes, • coastal path, • ports (re diversification) layers • Visit Britain, Destination Management Plans

23. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Planning and access for disabled people: a good practice guide

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24. Separately from the work of marine planning, Natural England is working on ensuringa right of access around all our open coast of England This right of access underpinsan England coast path. As this is being managed by another agency and principallyrelates to space above mean high water springs, this should not be a focus formarine planning, though it will increasingly play an important role in how peopleaccess the marine area. The development of the path should be highlighted by theplans for consideration by those carrying out activity near the marine area.

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Policy drafting template – NE-ACC-2

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Access Code NE-ACC-2

Policy NE-ACC-2 Proposals demonstrating appropriate enhanced and inclusive public access to and within the marine area, and that consider the future provision of services for tourism and recreation activities, will be supported.

What is Access? 1. Access includes ‘physical’ access to the marine area to participate in recreational

activities, or associated facilities and infrastructure on land to enable and supportactivities in the marine area (for example, paths, benches, slipways, car parks andmarinas). Access also includes ‘interpretive’ and ‘virtual’ access that increaseawareness and understanding of the marine area. For example interpretationboards, viewpoints, signage, films, literature and web based interpretation tools.

Where does access take place in the north east marine plan areas?2. The north east plan areas comprises the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty, North Yorkshire Moors National Park, and 4 heritage coasts (NorthNorthumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland and Flamborough Head).The area has three main tidal rivers, the Tyne, Wear and Tees. Opportunities foraccess to the north east marine plan areas is focused around ports, harbours,heritage assets and tourist destinations. Access is also concentrated near to centresof population where general recreation activities frequently take place such as:

• pleasure boating,• sailing,• recreational diving (including diving near protected areas),• sea angling,• swimming,• kayaking,• paddleboarding and surfing,• cycling,• dog walking.

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3. The Strategic scoping report notes there are beaches in the north east marine plan area with good water quality, and the area is popular with surfers, due to the quality and consistency of the waves.

4. The major ports of Tyne, Tees, Hartlepool and Sunderland create busy shipping hubs with a variety of vessels, including ferries from the Port of Tyne. The region is important for landing large quantities of shellfish with major commercial fishing and shellfish ports at North Shields, with other landing ports at Staithes, Redcar, Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby. Traditional fishing harbours are also to be found at Amble, Boulmer, Craster, Beadnell, Seahouses, Holy Island and Berwick.

5. Whitby, Filey and Scarborough have a long heritage as popular tourist destinations while the Northumberland Coast is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Visitors are attracted to the numerous historic assets the heritage coasts contain. Visitors are also attracted to exposures of internationally important Jurassic and Cretaceous strata along the north east coast with associated plant and animal fossil sites. Historic wrecks are spread widely across the north east marine plan areas attracting divers to access the plan area, they are mapped in more detail in the inshore area. The north east plan area is a start or end destination for a number of popular tourist routes and several routes run along the coast increasing visitors numbers to the area. A large section of England’s Coastal Path is open from Filey Brigg all the way to Amble with plans to continue the path to Berwick upon Tweed. The National Cycle Route 1, runs all the way along the coast, including to Holy Island however it is currently closed between Whitby and Staithes. The coast to coast cycle route from the Cumbrian Coast of the Irish Sea to the Northumbrian Coast of the North Sea is a popular tourist route that starts or ends in the plan area. The Cleveland Way path and cycle route is another popular tourist route and runs from Filey to Saltburn by the Sea and then inland to Helmsley.

6. Highly mobile species are resident or regular visitors to waters of the north east marine plan areas. Many highly mobile species are charismatic and bring value for tourism and recreation through wildlife watching and employment at reserves, while appropriate recreation and tourism may bring opportunities for protection of species through increased public awareness and additional funding. When does access take place in North East marine plan areas?

7. Access to and within the plan areas takes place throughout the year but depends upon the type of access. Access to ports and harbours is continual with seasonal variation according to weather and fishing activity. Both tourism and recreation are subject to seasonal highs and lows throughout the year and across the north east plan areas with higher visitor numbers during the spring and summer months especially around historic buildings, seabird reserves, wrecks and general recreational access to the marine environment. Why is access important to the North East marine plan areas?

8. The High Level Marine Objective to ensure a healthy and just society aims to ensure there is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets. Provision for marine access is essential to enabling the economic and social benefits that will come from the growth of tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan areas and requires proposals to manage

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impacts on public access to the marine area and contributes to the health and well-being of communities.

9. This policy directly supports requirements in the Marine Policy Statement, it states ‘The provision of slipways, coastal footpaths and ensuring coastal access for example could encourage economic growth and highlights the importance of considering the links between marine and terrestrial plans’ (3.11.5). Provision for marine access is essential for realising the economic and social benefits for the north east marine plan areas. North east marine plan areas are important for tourism and this is predicted to continue over the lifespan of the marine plan according to MMO (2017) Futures analysis for the North East, North West, South East and South West marine plan areas (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/futures-analysis-for-the-north-east-north-west-south-east-and-south-west-marine-plan-areas-mmo-1127). Access will create opportunities to raise environmental awareness in users of the areas.

10. The issue of coastal access is also set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (S73 and S114) which states ‘access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities.’ It also notes that local planning authorities should ‘improve public access to and enjoyment of the coast’.

11. Public access plays an important role in supporting social benefits for local people and visitors to the north east marine plan areas, particularly in support of recreation and tourism. Improved access to the coast through the England Coastal Path Programme led by Natural England is expected to bring significant benefits to local economies and communities, recreational users, and to public health. This policy supports issues identified in the north east and attempts to protect access to estuarine, coastal and marine areas. Who is this of interest to?

12. All public authorities including; Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, Planning Inspectorate, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Maritime Coastguard Agency , Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, Department for Transport, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Seafish, Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, tourism promotion agencies, destination management organisations, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency North York Moors National Park Authority, Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts’ management bodies. How should this policy be applied?

13. NE-ACC-2 will make sure that support will be given to proposals such as: • physical, • digital, • interpretative access,

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• signage, which enhances public access to, and within, the marine area, that consider the future provision of services for tourism and recreation activities.

14. Services for tourism and recreation activities may include:

• provision for transportation, • parking, • cycle infrastructure, • public transportation, • accommodation, • catering, • toilet facilities, • jetties, • slipways, • reefs • and hospitality services.

15. Achieving inclusive, and accessible, recreational use requires outcomes where all

sectors of society have opportunities for recreational use. It also covers physical and virtual access whereby all have the chance to enjoy and appreciate the marine area in different ways.

16. Policy NE-ACC-2 builds on NE-ACC-1 by requiring proposals to enhance public access. Enhancing public access may include removing unsuitable access in order to improve safety, or accessibility, to the marine area, or to reduce detrimental impacts on other activities. In order to avoid adverse impacts new access needs to consider potential impacts on a number of parameters, including the setting, biodiversity, heritage assets, seascape, existing access, tourism and recreation. Proposals should assess the risk to these and include evidence of any public access related to the proposal area, or elsewhere which it potentially affects. Early engagement with land owners and other relevant parties is strongly recommended.

17. Identifying positive impacts of a proposal does not negate the need to assess adverse impacts in line with relevant legislation. Enhancement is not a substitute for avoidance, protection or mitigation measures.

18. If these criteria cannot be met by a proposal, where it requires an authorisation decision, it will only be authorised if there are relevant considerations in line with the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) (Section 58(1)).

19. Public authorities must assess potential impacts, positive and negative, direct and indirect, permanent and temporary, as well as cumulative effects on recreation and tourism activities. Measures to reduce adverse impacts may include restricting access to areas where recreation activities take place, reducing the length of the season within which tourists may visit a natural or historic heritage attraction, or any actual physical impact. Enhancement is not a substitute for avoidance, minimisation or mitigation measures.

20. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally

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significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on public access.

21. The issues presented in managing access are significant. Contributing policies havebeen developed to consider potential impacts on marine protected areas, ecosystemgoods and services, and on highly mobile species.

22. Construction should show evidence of regard for environmental implications inparticular those on seasonal species such as over wintering birds or other migratoryspecies.

Signposting23. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this

policy include:• The Marine Policy Statement• National Planning Policy Framework• Sport England Strategy• Water Framework Directive

24. Local authorities (districts, unitary authorities, and counties) set out locally specificplans for activities that enable diversification of economic activity through measuresin related statutory plans:

• Northumberland Local Plan• North Tyneside Local Plan• South Tyneside Local Plan• Sunderland Development Plan• County Durham Development Plan• Hartlepool Development Plan• Stockton on Tees Development Plan• Redcar and Cleveland Development Plan• Scarborough Development Plan

Existing MIS data • T&R,• protected landscapes, seascapes, coastal path, ports (re diversification)

layers• Visit Britain, Destination Management Plans

25. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:• Planning and access for disabled people: a good practice guide

26. Separately from the work of marine planning, Natural England is working on ensuringa right of access around all our open coast of England This right of access underpinsan England coast path. As this is being managed by another agency and principallyrelates to space above mean high water springs, this should not be a focus formarine planning, though it will increasingly play an important role in how peopleaccess the marine area. The development of the path should be highlighted by theplans for consideration by those carrying out activity near the marine area.

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Plan area North East Grouping Defence Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society Use of the marine environment will recognise, and integrate with, defence priorities, including the strengthening of international peace and stability and the defence of the UK and its interests.

Other relevant policies NE-GOV-1 NE-INF-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW

SE

SW

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HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) Use of the marine environment will recognise, and integrate with, defence priorities, including the strengthening of international peace and stability and the defence of the UK and its interests.

Grouping Defence Code NE-DEF-1

Policy NE-DEF-1: Defence Proposals in or affecting Ministry of Defence areas should only be authorised with agreement from the Ministry

What is defence? 1. The Ministry of Defence has the primary role of providing defence and security to the

people of the UK and overseas territories. Within UK waters in peacetime, militaryactivities are comprised of operational, practice and training activities, routinepatrolling, transporting equipment and personnel in and out of the country, andcommunications including using radar.

2. There are a high number of defence activities and estates in the north east marineplan areas. Marine infrastructure can affect their continuity or future use. NE-DEF-1will avoid conflict between defence activities and new proposals within the planareas. It will ensure that defence interests are not impeded

Where is defence in the north east marine plan areas?3. The north east marine plan areas includes over 60,000 sq/km of military practice and

exercise areas. This includes extensive RAF danger areas used for military aviationtraining. The majority of these are for air to air activities and do not extend to sealevel. There is a submarine exercise area off Flamborough Head, on the boundarybetween the North East and East marine plan areas. Defence maritime navigationalinterests are also applicable.

When does defence take place in the north east marine plan areas?4. Areas identified military practice and exercise areas are used regularly for training

and exercise purposes across all marine plan areas.

5. Defence activities that use the marine environment, directly or indirectly, in supportof operational capability are diverse but include operational vessels and aircraft, HMnaval bases, surface and sub-surface navigational interests, underwater acousticranges, maritime and amphibious exercises, coastal training, test and evaluationranges. Marine Policy Statement (3.2.4).

Why is defence important to the north east marine plan areas?6. Marine and land-based Ministry of Defence activities are of national importance.

There is a prevalence of defence activities and estates in the north east marine planareas. Marine infrastructure may have a cumulative or individual effect on theircontinuity or future use.

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7. This policy will avoid conflict between defence activities using the marine environment, and new licensable marine activities within the plan areas. It will make sure that defence interests are not impeded.

8. This policy supports the need for defence activities to take place within the north east marine plan areas for the purpose of national security. Who is this of interest to?

9. Applicants or proponents in shaping and influencing what they may wish to do where and how they may wish to do it

10. All public authorities including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency How should this policy be implemented?

11. The Ministry of Defence should be consulted in all circumstances to verify whether defence interests will be affected and make sure that national defence capabilities and interests are not compromised Marine Policy Statement (3.2.9). Permission from the Ministry of Defence is needed for any proposals that will have an adverse impact on defence activities in or affecting Ministry of Defence areas.

12. If the Ministry of Defence objects to a proposal the development or activity will not be authorised.

13. Public authorities should take full account of the individual and cumulative effects of marine infrastructure on both marine and land-based Ministry of Defence interests.

14. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on Ministry of Defence areas.

15. This policy adds clarity to existing national policy National Planning Policy Framework (Section 164) and the Marine Policy Statement (3.2.9) by identifying Ministry of Defence areas (some regulated by byelaws) within the marine plan areas (see figure XX). It also clarifies the application process and encourages early intervention in dealing with potential issues or conflicts. It confirms that proposals within Ministry of Defence areas will not be authorised without appropriate approval from the Ministry of Defence. Signposting – defence

16. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Marine Policy Statement (3.2) (NE-DEF-1) • National Planning Policy Framework (Section 11 and Section 7) (see box 3) • National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015

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Plan area North East Grouping Employment Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use.

Other relevant policies NE-CO-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW SE SW

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Policy drafting template – NE-EMP-2

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use.

Grouping Employment Code NE-EMP-2

Policy NE-EMP-2 Proposals resulting in a net increase to marine related employment will be supported, particularly in areas identified as the most deprived and/or where the proposals are in line with the skills available in and adjacent to the north east marine plan areas.

What is Employment? 1. A net increase in employment is the additional employment benefit achieved by

developments or activities, after accounting for any negative impacts on otheractivities or developments, especially where employment can be accessed by thosein localities close to the north east marine plan areas.

2. Marine activities have an influence on employment throughout the marine area. Thiscan be a direct effect for example fisheries employment or indirect for exampleassociated tourism employment. The influence of marine activities on employmentmay extend beyond the coast into communities not traditionally associated withmarine employment. This influence may be through increased visitors numbers,seasonal employment or industries that support marine activities.

3. The North East Marine Plan Areas are home to significant tourism, oil and gasactivity, shipping (mainly via the Port of Tyne and Teesport), fisheries, recreationalactivities and offshore wind renewable energy generation (NE Seascape CharacterAssessment).

4. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.3) highlights employment benefits not only fromcurrent interests such as fishing and port activity, but also the role of emergingindustries such as the renewable energy sector. It also highlights the role of themarine ecosystem in providing economic and social benefits, both nationally and forlocal communities (2.5.5). National plans such as the Plan for Growth highlight theneed to increase employment and re-structure it away from the public sector.Employment also has social benefits, as those in work benefit from improved healthand well-being. This approach supports government aspirations such as those setout in the 25 Year Environment Plan, Clean Growth Strategy, Industrial Strategy andthe Education and Employment Strategy.

5. The Marine Policy Statement also recognises the value of existing developmentsand activities and the characteristics of the marine plan areas, which may not alwaysfit with projects that bring employment opportunities. Employment is not the onlyconsideration in decision-making and should be used appropriately. For someprojects direct employment impact may be minimal, but indirect employment impactmay be significant (enabling economic activity rather than generate economic benefit

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itself), or they may achieve other outcomes, such as environmental or social benefits; these should also be considered. Where is Employment in the North East marine plan areas?

6. Blyth in Northumberland is the base for significant renewable energy industry including research and development of new technologies. The coast throughout the north east inshore plan area incorporates popular tourist destinations with the associated seasonal employment opportunities.

7. The River Tyne is the base for significant manufacturing and fabrication yards serving the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The region is home to world leading subsea technology manufacturers and their associated supply chains.

8. The 2015 Indices of Deprivation (DCLG, 2015) report identifies coastal towns as having concentration of high deprivation. The local authority of Middlesbrough was found to have the highest proportion of deprived neighbourhoods in England .In addition, South Tyneside demonstrated the largest percentage rise in neighbourhoods classed as deprived from the 2010 report at 11% to the 2015 report. Of the top 20 employment deprived (adults of working age) local authority districts, the North East contained five: Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland and Sunderland When does Employment take place in the North East marine plan areas?

9. Employment in marine related industries such as tourism can be highly seasonal and is therefore an important consideration in deprived areas. Proposals should consider local skills strategies to aid decision making and to bring the most appropriate employment opportunities. Why is Employment important to the North East marine plan areas?

10. NE-EMP-2 encourages public authorities to consider the employment benefits of a proposal and how the required skills equate to those of the plan area. It enables maximum sustainable activity, prosperity and opportunities for all, now and in the future

11. Various communities rely on the economic benefits of marine activities. There is significant employment reliant upon offshore energy and the oil and gas industries. Fisheries remain important for communities along the coast and there is significant tourism related employment in the North East Marine Plan Area

12. The oil and gas industry in the North East has grown 40% in the region since 2012 and related industry employs over 66,000 skilled workers (Invest North East England).

13. Commercial fishing has historically been an important industry in the region. The size of this sector has declined in recent years, but remains an important part of the region’s economic and social make up.

14. Increased spatial pressures can force market locations such as a renewable energy training facility out of the plan areas, removing economic and employment benefits. Appropriately planned and sited development and associated supply chains can help encourage investment and stimulate demand for marine products and services. In turn, investment can create job opportunities which bring primary and secondary socio-economic benefits through improved levels of employment and spending of

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wages, which may be particularly important to areas currently experiencing deprivation. Proposals resulting in a net increase to marine related employment will be supported, particularly where they are in line with the skills available in and adjacent to the North East marine plan areas.

15. This policy adds value to existing national policy. It encourages public authorities to consider the additional employment benefits of a proposal and it allows further consideration of the potential for these employment opportunities to be transferred to areas close to the north east marine plan areas. Who is this of interest to?

16. All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency), Scottish Government.

17. Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors potentially marine related employment, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

18. Other management plans and landscape designations/definitions including National Parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans. How should this policy be applied?

19. Proposals should be supported if they can show that they will contribute to the development of skills relating to marine activities. Proposals should take into account and work alongside local skills strategies where possible.

20. Proposals should demonstrate where employment opportunities can be identified for new and existing marine activities within the north east marine plan areas. This should be proportional to the size of the proposal. Proposals that are not of sufficient size to meet the policy requirements should outline reasons why. For example, proposals by small/medium enterprises to support the development and generation of renewable energy may lead to a net increase in employment, but may be unable to source labour from the local labour pool.

21. Public authorities can use the Marine Management Organisation report “Maximising the socio-economic benefits of marine planning for English coastal communities”, to understand the employment needs and social issues of areas within, and bordering, the north east marine plan areas, and consider them in decision-making.

22. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.2) has a presumption in favour of sustainable development and states, ‘Properly planned developments can provide environmental and social benefits as well as drive economic development’. This means that, although there is a presumption in favour of economic benefits, proposals should not be approved if there are compelling environmental or social reasons not to do so. This policy applies to all new proposals, be they for continuation of existing interests or relating to new activity.

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23. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on achieving a net increase to marine related employment. Signposting

24. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Education and Employment Strategy 2018

25. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include: • MMO 1127: Futures Analysis • Northumberland Economic Strategy 2015-2020 • OECD- Employment and Skills Strategies in England • UKTI-UK Marine Export Strategy • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- “Our Economy 2018” • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- Strategic Economic Plan • South Tyneside Council Strategy 2017-2020 • Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan for Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne

2010-2030

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Policy drafting template – NE-EMP-3

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) The coast, seas, oceans and their resources are safe to use.

Grouping Employment Code NE-EMP-3

Policy NE-EMP-3 Proposals that promote employment, diversity of opportunities, implementation of new technologies and promote skills related to marine activities, particularly in line with local skills strategies, will be supported.

What are sector/activity? 1. A net increase in employment is the additional employment benefit achieved by

developments or activities, after accounting for any negative impacts on otheractivities or developments, especially where employment can be accessed by thosein localities close to the south marine plan areas.

2. Marine activities have an influence on employment throughout the marine area. Thiscan be a direct effect for example fisheries employment or indirect for exampleassociated tourism employment. The influence of marine activities on employmentmay extend beyond the coast into communities not traditionally associated withmarine employment. This influence may be through increased visitors numbers,seasonal employment or industries that support marine activities.

3. The North East Marine Plan Areas are home to significant tourism, oil and gasactivity, shipping (mainly via the Port of Tyne and Teesport), fisheries, recreationalactivities and offshore wind renewable energy generation (NE Seascape CharacterAssessment).

4. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.3) highlights employment benefits not only fromcurrent interests such as fishing and port activity, but also the role of emergingindustries such as the renewable energy sector. It also highlights the role of themarine ecosystem in providing economic and social benefits, both nationally and forlocal communities (2.5.5). National plans such as the Plan for Growth highlight theneed to increase employment and re-structure it away from the public sector.Employment also has social benefits, as those in work benefit from improved healthand well-being. This approach supports government aspirations such as those setout in the 25 Year Environment Plan, Clean Growth Strategy, Industrial Strategy andthe Education and Employment Strategy.

5. The Marine Policy Statement also recognises the value of existing developmentsand activities and the characteristics of the marine plan areas, which may not alwaysfit with projects that bring employment opportunities. Employment is not the onlyconsideration in decision-making and should be used appropriately. For someprojects direct employment impact may be minimal, but indirect employment impactmay be significant (enabling economic activity rather than generate economic benefititself), or they may achieve other outcomes, such as environmental or socialbenefits; these should also be considered.

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Where is employment in the North East marine plan areas?

6. Blyth in Northumberland is the base for significant renewable energy industry including research and development of new technologies. The coast throughout the North East Marine Plan Area incorporates popular tourist destinations with the associated seasonal employment opportunities.

7. The River Tyne is the base for significant manufacturing and fabrication yards serving the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The global shipping industries centered around Suderland, Teeside, Harlepool and Tyneside have largely disappeared and ship building has been replaced by marine structure decommissioning and the offshore wind industries.The region is also home to world leading subsea technology manufacturers and their associated supply chains. When does sector/activity take place in North East marine plan areas?

8. Tourism related employment can often be very seasonal, peaking in the summer months however other marine activities such as shipping continue throughout the year. Fisheries may follow seasonal trends in stocks and breeding cycles. Why is sector/activity important to the North East marine plan areas?

9. Various communities rely on the economic benefits of marine activities. There is significant employment reliant upon offshore energy and the oil and gas industries. Fisheries remain important for communities along the coast and there is significant tourism related employment in the North East Marine Plan Area

10. The oil and gas industry in the North East has grown 40% in the region since 2012 and related industry employs over 66,000 skilled workers (Invest North East England). Commercial fishing has historically been an important industry in the region. The size of this sector has declined in recent years, but remains an important part of the region’s economic and social make up.

11. Increased spatial pressures can force market locations such as a renewable energy training facility out of the plan areas, removing economic and employment benefits. Appropriately planned and sited development and associated supply chains can help encourage investment and stimulate demand for marine products and services. In turn, investment can create job opportunities which bring primary and secondary socio-economic benefits through improved levels of employment and spending of wages, which may be particularly important to areas currently experiencing deprivation. Proposals resulting in a net increase to marine related employment will be supported, particularly where they are in line with the skills available in and adjacent to the North East marine plan areas.

12. This policy adds value to existing national policy. It encourages public authorities to consider the additional employment benefits of a proposal and it allows further consideration of the potential for these employment opportunities to be transferred to areas close to the south marine plan areas. Who is this of interest to?

13. All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal

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Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scottish Government.

14. Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors potentially marine related employment, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

15. Other management plans and landscape designations/definitions including National Parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans. How should this policy be applied?

16. Proposals should identify how they can contribute to diversifying skills, emerging technology and employment in coastal communities. Proposals that support or contribute to emerging ecomomic activities should be supported in line with local skills and employment strategies.

17. Proposals should demonstrate where employment and skill development opportunities can be identified for new and existing marine activities within the north east marine plan areas. This should be proportional to the size of the proposal. Proposals that are not of sufficient size to meet the policy requirements should outline reasons why. For example, proposals by small/medium enterprises to support the development and generation of renewable energy may lead to a net increase in employment, but may be unable to source labour from the local labour pool.

18. Public authorities can use the Marine Management Organisation report Maximising the socio-economic benefits of marine planning for English coastal communities, to understand the employment needs and social issues of areas within, and bordering, the north east marine plan areas, and consider them in decision-making.

19. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.2) has a presumption in favour of sustainable development and states, ‘Properly planned developments can provide environmental and social benefits as well as drive economic development’. This means that, although there is a presumption in favour of economic benefits, proposals should not be approved if there are compelling environmental or social reasons not to do so. This policy applies to all new proposals, be they for continuation of existing interests or relating to new activity.

20. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on promotion of employment, diversity of opportunities, implementation of new technologies and promotion of skills related to marine activities. Signposting

21. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Education and Employment Strategy 2018

22. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include: • MMO 1127: Futures Analysis

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• Northumberland Economic Strategy 2015-2020 • OECD- Employment and Skills Strategies in England • UKTI-UK Marine Export Strategy • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- “Our Economy 2018” • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- Strategic Economic Plan • South Tyneside Council Strategy 2017-2020 • Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan for Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne

2010-2030

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Policy drafting template – NE-EMP-4

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Employment Code NE-EMP-4

Policy NE-EMP-4 Public authority functions related to employment and skills development must take account of current and future marine activities.

What is employment? 1. A net increase in employment is the additional employment benefit achieved by

developments or activities, after accounting for any negative impacts on otheractivities or developments, especially where employment can be accessed by thosein localities close to the north east marine plan areas.

2. Marine activities have an influence on employment throughout the marine area. Thiscan be a direct effect for example fisheries employment or indirect for exampleassociated tourism employment. The influence of marine activities on employmentmay extend beyond the coast into communities not traditionally associated withmarine employment. This may be through increased visitors numbers, seasonalemployment or industries that support marine activities.

3. The North East Marine Plan Areas are home to significant tourism, oil and gasactivity, shipping (mainly via the Port of Tyne and Teesport), fisheries, recreationalactivities and offshore wind renewable energy generation (NE Seascape CharacterAssessment).

4. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.3) highlights employment benefits not only fromcurrent interests such as fishing and port activity, but also the role of emergingindustries such as the renewable energy sector. National plans such as the Plan forGrowth highlight the need to increase employment and re-structure it away from thepublic sector. Employment also has social benefits, as those in work benefit fromimproved health and well-being. This approach supports government aspirationssuch as those set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan, Clean Growth Strategy,Industrial Strategy and the Education and Employment Strategy.

5. The Marine Policy Statement also recognises the value of existing developmentsand activities and the characteristics of the marine plan areas, which may not alwaysfit with projects that bring employment opportunities. Employment is not the only

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consideration in decision-making and should be used appropriately. For some projects direct employment impact may be minimal, but indirect employment impact may be significant (enabling economic activity rather than generate economic benefit itself), or they may achieve other outcomes, such as environmental or social benefits (such as the development of skills); these should also be considered. Where is employmentin the north east marine plan areas?

6. Blyth in Northumberland is the base for significant renewable energy industry including research and development of new technologies. The coast throughout the North East Marine Plan Area incorporates popular tourist destinations with the associated seasonal employment opportunities.

7. The River Tyne is the base for significant manufacturing and fabrication yards serving the oil and gas industry in the North Sea. The global shipping industries centered around Suderland, Teeside, Harlepool and Tyneside have largely disappeared and ship building has been replaced by marine structure decommissioning and the offshore wind industries.The region is also home to world leading subsea technology manufacturers and their associated supply chains. When does employment take place in north east marine plan areas?

8. In many parts of the north east marine plan area employment is linked to tourism. Tourism related employment can often be very seasonal, peaking in the summer months however other marine activities such as shipping continue throughout the year. Therefore proposals that extend that employment season and/or offer complementary seasonal employment could be one way of applying this policy. Why is employment important to the north east marine plan areas?

9. Marine related employment is important to the North East as it directly contributes to many communities across the marine plan area. Appropriately planned and sited developments and associated supply chains can help encourage investment and stimulate demand for marine products and services. In turn, investment can create job opportunities which bring primary and secondary socio-economic benefits through improved levels of employment and spending of wages, which may be particularly important to areas currently experiencing deprivation.

10. The oil and gas industry in the North East has grown 40% in the region since 2012 and related industry employs over 66,000 skilled workers (Invest North East England). Commercial fishing has historically been an important industry in the region. The size of this sector has declined in recent years, but remains an important part of the region’s economic and social make up.

11. This policy encourages public authorities to consider the additional employment benefits of carrying out their functions and it allows further consideration of the potential for these employment opportunities to be transferred to areas close to the north east marine plan areas Who is this of interest to?

12. All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit

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England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scottish Government).

13. Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors potentially marine related employment, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

14. Other management plans and landscape designations/definitions including National Parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans.

How should this policy be applied?

15. Public Authorities must take into account marine activities with specific regard to related employment and skills in proposals and activities within the Marine Plan Area.

16. Public authorities must consider adverse impacts on employment and skills development opportunities when exercising their functions, including decision-making. Public authorities should also consider cumulative, combined or synergistic effects which their activities, authorisations or consents may have. Public authorities should make decisions in line with local skills strategies.

17. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on current and future marine activities. Signposting

18. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Education and Employment Strategy 2018

19. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include: • MMO 1127: Futures Analysis • Northumberland Economic Strategy 2015-2020 • OECD- Employment and Skills Strategies in England • UKTI-UK Marine Export Strategy • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- “Our Economy 2018” • North East Local Enterprise Partnership- Strategic Economic Plan • South Tyneside Council Strategy 2017-2020 • Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan for Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne

2010-2030

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Plan area North East Grouping Fisheries Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Other relevant policies NE-AQ-1 NE-AQ-2

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW

SE

SW

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Policy drafting template – NE-FISH-1

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Fisheries B Code NE-FISH-1

Policy NE-FISH-1 Proposals supporting a sustainable fishing industry, including the industry's diversification and or enhanced resilience to the effects of climate change, should be supported.

What is sustainable fishing? 1. A sustainable fishing industry is reliant on many factors including environmental,

social and economic. For example, environmental factors include healthy fish stocks,and appropriate weather and sea conditions to allow fishing. Social factors include asupply of labour to work on vessels and in the subsequent supply chains, andcustomers to purchase the fish. Economically, the industry’s operating costs need tobe affordable to allow fishing to continue into the future.1

2. One particular challenge affecting the fishing industry’s sustainability is climatechange. Climate change is expected to increase storminess and water temperatures.Storminess (for example increased wave heights, strong winds) reduces the numberof days at which vessels can safely operate at sea. This is particularly during wintermonths when storms are more prevalent. Water temperature increases may alter thedistribution and movement of fish species, meaning some species that an industryrelies on may reduce in numbers, whilst different species may become moreprevalent. Some challenges often present a greater risk for smaller vessels, who areless able to fish in stormy seas. Smaller vessels are also more restricted in thedistance they can travel, meaning they are less able to adapt to changes in fishdistributions than larger vessels with a greater range.

3. Diversification is one way fishing industry sustainability can be increased.Diversification includes changes within the fishing sector, for example new fishingtechniques and gear that alter how or what species are targeted, or within theprocessing and fish value chain for example direct sales, or marketing that addsvalue to fish products.

1 Fishing industry sustainability is managed in multiple ways (of which marine planning is one). Another mechanism, separate to marine planning, is the Common Fisheries Policy, which provides the main framework for managing fishing activity in EU waters.

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4. Diversification also includes the industry undertaking multiple activities. For example,

in addition to generating income from fishing, complementary activities such as tourism, can represent diversification into other sectors. Strategic integrated marine and terrestrial planning can increase coherence and synergies, and encourage new local markets through attracting tourists that enable diversification.

5. Climate change resilience refers to the ability of the fishing industry to withstand and recover from the effects of climate change, and so support its sustainability2. Enhancing resilience includes considering the fishing techniques and gear used, the type of vessels and also shoreside infrastructure.3 Fisheries are also dependent on a healthy ecosystem to provide habitats and support for fish (including the north east marine area’s estuarine environments). Environmental resilience is therefore part of ensuring resilience of the fishing industry.

6. Fishing industry sustainability can be increased through other means (in addition to diversification and climate change resilience), for example proposals that encourage or promote a wider range of seafood to customers. An increase in demand from customers, and / or the customer base for seafood provides greater security for the industry, because there is a greater demand for the food it provides. This in turn contributes to the industry’s sustainability. Where does fishing occur in the north east marine plan areas?

7. Fishing occurs throughout the North East Marine Plan areas with main fishing centres including Scarborough, Whitby, North Shields, Blyth, Amble and Seahouses, with a range of smaller fishing settlements along the coast.4 Whilst at a lower intensity compared with some areas, fishing is nevertheless an important sector for the local economy. For example, in Scarborough £5.7 million worth of fish and shellfish were landed in 2016 by UK vessels5. A variety of species are caught in the north east marine plan areas using static and mobile gear. Species predominantly include demersal fish (for example whiting, pollock, sole), and shellfish (mostly Nephrops, but also lobster and brown crab), with a smaller seasonal pelagic fishery (for example mackerel).

8. For aquaculture, the percentage of the north east marine plan areas utilised for shellfish production is the lowest of all English marine plan areas, with production focussed on native and Pacific oysters around Holy Island6.

2 Definition adapted from US Climate Resilience Toolkit (accessed 7 August 2018). https://toolkit.climate.gov/content/glossary 3 MMO1077: Potential spatial effects of climate change in the South and East Marine Plan Areas (accessed 7 August 2018). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/potential-spatial-effects-of-climate-change-in-the-south-and-east-marine-plan-areas-mmo1077 4 MMO 2017: Futures analysis for the north east, north west, south east and south west marine plan areas. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/650895/Futures_analysis_for_the_North_East__North_West__South_East_and_South_West_marine_plan_areas__MMO_1127_.pdf 5 MMO 2017. UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2016. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/647482/UK_Sea_Fisheries_Statistics_2016_Full_report.pdf 6 MMO 2016. Sustainability appraisal scoping report – North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-appraisal-scoping-report-north-east-north-west-south-east-south-west-marine-plans

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9. The fisheries and aquaculture sectors are reliant on safe and effective sites to land

their catch. Once onshore, processing and logistics businesses in the north east ensure the distribution and supply of fish and shellfish to local, national and international markets. These businesses are reliant on an efficient transport network.

10. Climate change projections predict warming seas and increased acidification around the UK. These changes will affect many fisheries, although it is challenging to say exactly what fisheries will be affected and in what way in the north east marine plan areas.7 The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership describes evidence relating to changes in UK fisheries, including scallop, Nephrops and crab (important commercial species in the north east marine plan areas). This indicated that Nephrops displayed some resilience to increasing acidity. For scallops, the impact of acidification on populations is more uncertain. Crab however, prefers only a narrow range of water temperatures meaning they are highly susceptible to the impacts of warming waters. When does fishing take place in the north east marine plan areas?

11. This policy focusses on supporting the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry. By promoting activities that increase sustainability (including diversification and climate change resilience), this policy should help provide the fishing industry with the flexibility and support necessary for adaptation. Whilst the fishing sector operates throughout the year, some of the sustainability challenges are more pertinent at specific times of year. Storminess is one such example, with a greater number of storms during the winter limiting fishing activity compared to the calmer summer months. Tourism, which can provide some of the diversification opportunities described above, is generally focussed during the summer months. Winter is therefore a time when the fishing industry requires greater support. Why is supporting a sustainable fishing industry important to the north east marine plan areas?

12. In the north east marine plan areas, supporting a sustainable fishing industry is important because it helps provide employment in some communities where there may be a lack of alternative work. Promoting diversification can help support sustainability of the fishing industry in the north east marine plan areas by allowing flexibility for businesses to expand into other sectors. Diversifying into other sectors (for example fishing for alternative species, or expanding into other sectors such as tourism) can help support a core fishing industry to continue operating into the future. This would ensure the fishing industry remains part of the local identify and culture in the north east marine plan areas.

13. Encouraging the local fishing industry’s adaption to climate change can help promote its sustainability. Climate change has significant potential to affect the sustainability of fisheries in the north east marine plan areas. This includes altering the availability and growth rates of specific fish populations as they redistribute according to temperature preferences. Climate change may also present new opportunities, especially for species in which growth or distribution is currently limited by temperature, and result in loss of some existing fisheries. Climate change may also

7 Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership: Science Review, 2017. Pinnegar J, Garrett A, Simpson S, Engelhard G and van der Kooij J. Fisheries. Available online at http://www.mccip.org.uk/media/1767/2017arc_sciencereview_007_fis.pdf (accessed 5 October 2018).

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significantly alter the location of essential habitat, particularly spawning, nursery and feeding areas due to environmental and oceanographic change.

14. The ability to maintain a viable sustainable fleet of smaller fishing vessels operating in the north east marine plan areas is important for the future of traditional fishing communities in this area. Predicted increases in unsettled weather under predicted climate change scenarios represent an operational challenge for such smaller vessels, while restricted ranges limit the ability of a fleet from a particular port to adjust to stock distribution changes.8 Who is this of interest to?

15. The following three groups should be aware of this policy, and the organisations in (a) and (b) below should apply the policy:

a) All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency).

b) Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors relevant to the

fishing sector, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

c) The fishing sector (including fishing associations, producer organisations and

individuals), may wish to be aware of and respond to consultations for specific activities within the north east marine plan areas. Contact the Marine Licensing team ([email protected]) for details of how to apply to register as a consultee.

How should this policy be applied?

16. Where a proposal demonstrates support for the sustainable fishing industry of the north east marine plan areas, decision-makers should support it. Proposals should also demonstrate that they have consulted with the fishing industry during the early stages of project development to enable understanding of industry requirements, and identify where they can support its sustainability. This may include providing the flexibility and opportunity for the fishing industry to diversify into other business areas. This may also include supporting the industry to adapt to the impacts of climate change, so they are more resilient to challenges such as increased storminess reducing fishing opportunities, and lack of alternative employment. Whilst many of these challenges occur year round, winter is a time when they may be particularly pertinent to the fishing sector (in particular smaller vessels because they are more limited by the weather and sea state than larger vessels). Proposals should therefore also demonstrate whether support for the fishing industry occurs year-round or at specific times.

8 For details of climate change scenarios see publications from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: http://www.ipcc.ch/

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17. Public authorities should consider the implications and impacts of proposals on

fishing industry sustainability, including its diversification and resilience to the effects of climate change in developing local plans and in decision-making. Considerations could include but are not limited to:

• local plans and employment strategies • how proposals might benefit or impact infrastructure provision, including

onshore processing facilities for novel species that move into the north east marine plan areas with changing sea temperature

• bring complementary skills or employment opportunities, or open up opportunities outside of the fishing industry, for example as guard ship vessels, undertaking surveys or within the tourism sector

• altering when and where fishing can occur and therefore potential ability to adapt

• support technological advances in monitoring, and where possible, offer opportunities for better management of fisheries

18. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure

projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on support for a sustainable fishing industry. Signposting

19. Fisheries management is achieved via a range of measures separate to marine planning, such as IFCA and MMO byelaws.

20. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to achievement of this policy include:

• Common Fisheries Policy • Fisheries Liaison Plans (voluntary or required) • MMO and IFCA byelaws • Economics of Climate Resilience Natural Environment Theme: Sea fish

CA0401. Defra, 2013 • European Fisheries Areas Network Guides • European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

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Policy drafting template – NE-FISH-2

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Fisheries B Code NE-FISH-2

Policy NE-FISH-2 Proposals that may have significant adverse impacts on access to or within aquaculture sites, or fishing activities, must demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoid, b) minimise, c) mitigate significant adverse impacts, d) if it is not possible to mitigate the significant adverse impacts, proposals should state the case for proceeding.

What is access to aquaculture sites and fishing activities? 1. Fishing refers to the wild capture of finfish and shellfish. Aquaculture refers to the

controlled rearing of aquatic shellfish and finfish, the cultivation of aquatic plants andalgae and the restocking of wild populations, for example using lobster hatcherieswhere individuals are grown from eggs and released into the marine environment.Aquaculture can take place in both the inshore and offshore marine environment.

2. Access for fisheries and aquaculture includes physical access to resource sites suchas viable aquaculture areas, and the wider ability to undertake activities includingtravel to and from, shoreside facilities (such as processing, storage and distribution)and onward sale to the customer. Reduced or prevented access to aquaculture sitesmay result from physical obstruction, for example, the presence of structures at seaor on the sea floor, closed areas resulting from other uses and loss of accessthrough transit restrictions or poor provisioning of berthing or landing infrastructure.Similarly, access to fishing opportunities relies on vessels being able to safely andefficiently navigate to and from their home port.

Where does fishing and aquaculture take place in the north east marine planareas?

3. Fishing occurs throughout the north east marine plan areas with main fishing centresincluding Scarborough, Whitby, North Shields, Blyth, Amble and Seahouses, with arange of smaller fishing settlements along the coast1. The north east marine area

1 MMO 2017: Futures analysis for the north east, north west, south east and south west marine plan areas.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/65

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includes an inshore plan area, representing 687 kilometres of coastline from the Scottish border to Flamborough Head (Yorkshire). It covers 6,000 square kilometres of sea. The offshore plan area extends from 12 nautical miles to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and covers 50,000 square kilometres of sea. When does fishing and aquaculture take place in the north east marine plan areas?

4. Commercial fishing takes place throughout the year. There is a seasonality in the distribution and life-cycle of some fish and shellfish species, and a corresponding seasonality to commercial fishing activities as different species are targeted at different times of year. Aquaculture also takes place year-round, but again has a seasonality as some species are harvested at a particular time of year (e.g. native oysters are traditionally harvested from September to April2). Why is access to fishing and aquaculture important to the north east marine plan areas?

5. The Marine Policy Statement (3.8.7 and 3.9.2) identifies the value of prosperous, efficient and effective sustainable fishing and aquaculture industries in providing ‘social, cultural and economic benefits to often fragile coastal communities’ including reduction in emigration and maintenance of traditions, culture and identity. Fish are an important part in the delivery of UK food security, with aquaculture making an important and growing contribution.

6. Whilst at a lower intensity compared with some areas, fishing is nevertheless an important sector for the local economy in the north east marine plan areas. For example, in Scarborough £5.7 worth of million fish and shellfish were landed in 2016 by UK vessels3. A variety of species are caught in the north east marine plan areas, using static and mobile gears. Species predominantly include demersal fish (for example whiting, pollock, sole), and shellfish (mostly Nephrops, but also species such as lobster and brown crab), with a smaller seasonal pelagic fishery (for example mackerel).

7. For aquaculture, the percentage of the north east marine plan areas utilised for shellfish production is the lowest of all English marine plan areas, with production focussed on native and Pacific oysters around Holy Island4.

8. The fisheries and aquaculture sectors are reliant on safe and effective sites to land their catch. Once onshore, processing and logistics businesses in the north east ensure the distribution and supply of fish and shellfish to local, national and international markets. These businesses are reliant on an efficient transport network.

0895/Futures_analysis_for_the_North_East__North_West__South_East_and_South_West_marine_plan_areas__MMO_1127_.pdf 2 Seafish Native Oyster Cultivation. Available at: http://www.seafish.org/media/Publications/Native_Oyster_Cult_Leaflet.pdf (accessed 11 October 2018). 3 MMO 2017. UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2016. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/647482/UK_Sea_Fisheries_Statistics_2016_Full_report.pdf 4 MMO 2016. Sustainability appraisal scoping report – North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-appraisal-scoping-report-north-east-north-west-south-east-south-west-marine-plans

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9. Vessel activity in the North East Inshore area is particularly high, making fleets in this area particularly vulnerable to loss of access and increasing sensitivity to changes in sea use. This is because the range of smaller vessels is less than for larger vessels. As such, if reduced access requires vessels to take a lengthy alternative route (for example to land their catch), due to their limited range this may prohibit smaller vessels’ activity if the alternative route is beyond their range. Whilst aquaculture is currently at lower levels in this plan area, it generally is ‘a key focus for future development of a sustainable food source’ and it may be expected that production in the north east region increases accordingly over the lifetime of the plan (MPS, 3.9.2).

10. Reducing or preventing access to fishing sites may redistribute fishing activity from the proposal’s footprint. Redistribution of effort can have negative impacts, increasing pressure on other fishing grounds, specific fish stock components like juveniles, or increasing environmental impacts, particularly if displacement is to suboptimal grounds or previously unfished areas. The need to support co-existence is essential in minimising or mitigating the negative impacts of displacement.

11. This policy seeks to limit significant adverse impacts to access. Policies cover not only aquaculture sites (including sites of current and potential aquaculture) and fishing activity, but also the transit routes to and from sites and any berthing/beaching or landing/loading points (see also policy NE-AQ-2). It is not practical to avoid impacts on access across all proposals. Consequently, policy NE-FISH-2 slows the rate of access loss, whereas policy NE-FISH-3 supports increasing access where practical.

12. Aquaculture is restricted by site suitability for cultured species, and by technical restriction to mainly inshore areas. Therefore proposals that negatively impact access to aquaculture sites directly impact the potential for growth of the sector. Who is this of interest to?

13. The following three groups should be aware of this policy, and the organisations in (a) and (b) below should apply the policy:

a) All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency).

b) Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors potentially

affecting fishing and aquaculture sector access, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

c) The fishing sector (including fishing associations, producer organisations and

individuals), may wish to be aware of and respond to consultations for specific activities within the north east marine plan areas. Contact the Marine Licensing team ([email protected]) for details of how to apply to register as a consultee.

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How should this policy be applied? 14. Proposals should demonstrate that they will, in order of preference, avoid, minimise

or mitigate adverse impacts on aquaculture sites and/or fishing activities – proposals cannot proceed to (b) unless they have first demonstrated why they cannot meet (a) etc.

15. Where it is not possible to mitigate significant adverse impacts proposals should state the case for proceeding, in addition to setting out how the proposal supports the North East Marine Plan vision, objectives and other plan policies. Inclusion of this information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

16. Proposals will identify potential significant adverse impacts on access. This access relates to both aquaculture, and fishing activities. The Marine Information System provides a data layer which indicate areas of aquaculture activity (lease areas, and bivalve classification areas). This data layer should be used to guide assessment of whether a proposal may have a significant adverse impact on access to aquaculture sites. For fishing activity, identification of impacts and appropriate measures may require consultation with the fishing industry and the preparation of co-existence and fisheries liaison plans, with relevant regulatory bodies identifying issues at scoping stage. For fishing activity, data layers on the Marine Information System are less comprehensive because they do not provide data on smaller vessels. Additionally, areas fished in the future may be different to areas fished in the past, given the mobile nature of fish populations, and anticipated changes to the extent and distribution of fish populations resulting from climate change. As such proposals must provide suitable alternative assessment of impacts as outlined above.

17. Minimising and mitigating significant adverse impacts will vary depending on the proposed activity and whether it affects aquaculture sites or fishing activities. If a proposal involves construction at sea then minimising significant adverse impacts could involve minimising the physical obstruction posed to any nearby aquaculture sites or fishing activities. This could involve consultation with the aquaculture and / or fishing sector to identify the most appropriate navigation routes for construction vessels to and from the site being developed. This would help minimise the impact on fishing activities. For shoreside activities, minimising significant adverse impacts would require proposals to demonstrate an understanding of the aquaculture and / fishing sector’s navigation routes (e.g. for unloading, processing and transporting fish). Proposals would demonstrate measures to minimise significant adverse impacts, for example outlining how the development would minimise physical obstruction to current and planned shoreside fishing and aquaculture processing and distribution activities. More information on what minimisation or mitigation could include for aquaculture and who to consider contacting in pre-application discussions are covered under NE-AQ-1 and NE-AQ-2. Opportunities to minimise or mitigate adverse impact can also include co-location.

18. In determining a proposal, public authorities will take account of a range of relevant considerations including compliance with legislation, regulations and environmental assessment.

19. Public authorities must assess potential significant adverse impacts (direct and indirect, permanent and temporary, as well as cumulative effects) on access to

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aquaculture sites and fishing activities. Adverse impacts may include restricting access to areas where fishing activities take place, reducing the length of the season within which fishing may take place or any actual physical impact.

20. Public authorities must take into account evidence of consultation with the aquaculture and fishing industries (as appropriate – for example, if a proposal might only have a significant adverse impact on an aquaculture site, then consultation is required with this sector only, and not the fishing sector), the outcome of those discussions and any mitigation required.

21. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on access to or within aquaculture sites, or fishing activities. Signposting

22. Fisheries management is achieved via a range of measures separate to marine planning, such as IFCA and MMO byelaws.

23. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to achievement of this policy include:

• consideration of co-existence and displacement under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive

• international maritime law, and in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in relation to safe navigation

• good practice guidelines promoting co-existence (e.g. Fisheries Liaison with Offshore Wind and Wet Renewables Group: Recommendations for Fisheries Liaison, Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developers; European Subsea Cables Association, Fishing Liaison Guidelines).

• Common Fisheries Policy • Co-existence and Fisheries Liaison Plans (voluntary or required) • A summary of requirements relating to marine protected areas • Habitats Regulations Assessment • MMO and IFCA byelaws • MGN 543 Safety of navigation: Offshore renewable energy installations

24. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Marine Information System

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Policy drafting template – NE-FISH-3

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Fisheries B Code NE-FISH-3

Policy NE-FISH-3 Proposals that enhance access to or within aquaculture sites, or fishing activities, should be supported.

What is access to aquaculture sites and fishing activities? 1. Fishing refers to the commercial wild capture of finfish and shellfish.1 Aquaculture

refers to the controlled rearing of aquatic shellfish and finfish, the cultivation ofaquatic plants and algae and the restocking of wild populations, for example usinglobster hatcheries where individuals are grown from eggs and released into themarine environment.

2. Access for fisheries and aquaculture includes physical access to resource sites suchas viable aquaculture areas, and the wider ability to undertake activities includingtravel to and from facilities and markets. Enhancing access refers developments thatmake it more efficient for the operation of the fishing and/or aquaculture sectors. Forexample, a new port or marina could include additional berthing or landinginfrastructure for the fishing and aquaculture sectors to use for unloading their catchand mooring vessels.

Where does fishing and aquaculture take place in the north east marine planareas?

3. Fishing occurs throughout the north east marine plan areas with main fishing centresincluding Scarborough, Whitby, North Shields, Blyth, Amble and Seahouses, with arange of smaller fishing settlements along the coast2. The North East Marine Areaincludes an inshore plan area, representing 687 kilometres of coastline from theScottish border to Flamborough Head (Yorkshire). It covers 6,000 square kilometres

1 Recreational fishing is included under the tourism and recreation policies, see policies NE-TR-1 to 4. 2 MMO 2017: Futures analysis for the north east, north west, south east and south west marine plan areas.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/650895/Futures_analysis_for_the_North_East__North_West__South_East_and_South_West_marine_plan_areas__MMO_1127_.pdf

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of sea. An offshore plan area extends from 12 nautical miles to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone, and covers 50,000 square kilometres of sea.

4. For aquaculture, the percentage of the north east marine plan areas utilised for shellfish production is the lowest of all English marine plan areas, with production focussed on native and Pacific oysters around Holy Island3.

5. The fisheries and aquaculture sectors are reliant on safe and effective sites to land their catch. Once onshore, processing and logistics businesses in the North East ensure the distribution and supply of fish and shellfish to local, national and international markets. These businesses are reliant on an efficient transport network. When does fishing and aquaculture take place in the north east marine plan areas?

6. Commercial fishing takes place throughout the year. There is a seasonality in the distribution and life-cycle of some fish and shellfish species, and a corresponding seasonality to commercial fishing activities as different species are targeted at different times of year.

7. Commercial fishing takes place throughout the year. There is a seasonality in the distribution and life-cycle of some fish and shellfish species, and a corresponding seasonality to commercial fishing activities as different species are targeted at different times of year. Aquaculture also takes place year-round, but again has a seasonality as some species are harvested at a particular time of year (e.g. native oysters are traditionally harvested from September to April4). Why is enhancing access to aquaculture sites and fishing activities important to the north east marine plan areas?

8. Enhancing access for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors is important for the north east marine plan areas because it contributes to the growth of these sectors. For example a proposal enhancing access could improve port facilities to support mooring, unloading and onward transport of goods. These improvements would increase efficiency for fish and shellfish sector, which would reduce business costs, and contribute to sector growth. Similarly, enhancing access can reduce steaming times to landing facilities, which would reduce fuel costs for vessels and save time, again contributing to increased business efficiencies. These increased efficiencies contribute to supporting local economy for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This policy can also support the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in responding to changes resulting from climate change, such as the distribution of fish populations, or species which can be cultivated due to changing environmental conditions.

9. Whilst at a lower intensity compared with some areas, fishing is nevertheless an important sector for the local economy. For example, in Scarborough £5.7 million

3 MMO 2016. Sustainability appraisal scoping report – North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-appraisal-scoping-report-north-east-north-west-south-east-south-west-marine-plans 4 Seafish Native Oyster Cultivation. Available at: http://www.seafish.org/media/Publications/Native_Oyster_Cult_Leaflet.pdf (accessed 11 October 2018).

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worth of fish and shellfish were landed in 2016 by UK vessels5. A variety of species are caught in the north east marine plan areas, using static and mobile gears. Species predominantly include demersal fish (for example whiting, pollock, sole), and shellfish (mostly Nephrops, but also species such as lobster and brown crab), with a smaller seasonal pelagic fishery (for example mackerel).

10. For aquaculture, the percentage of the north east marine plan areas utilised for shellfish production is the lowest of all English marine plan areas, with production focussed on native and Pacific oysters around Holy Island6.

11. The national importance of fisheries and aquaculture sectors is recognised in the Marine Policy Statement (3.8.7 and 3.9.2), which identifies the value of prosperous, efficient and effective sustainable fishing and aquaculture industries in providing ‘social, cultural and economic benefits to often fragile coastal communities’ including reduction in emigration and maintenance of traditions, culture and identity7. Fish are an important part in the delivery of UK food security, with aquaculture making an important and growing contribution. By enhancing access for aquaculture and fisheries sectors in the north east marine plan areas, this policy will also contribute to Seafood 2040, which recognises the opportunity for growth of these sectors.8 Therefore enhancing access for aquaculture sites and fishing opportunities in the north east marine plan areas will support national aims.

12. This policy seeks to enhance access where possible. It covers not only the sites of activity (including sites of current and potential aquaculture, and fishing activities), but also the transit routes to and from sites and any berthing/beaching or landing/loading points (see also policy NE-AQ-2). See also policy NE-FISH-2, which aims to reduce adverse impacts of other marine activities to access. It is not practical to avoid impacts on access across all proposals. Consequently, whereas policy NE-FISH-2 slows the rate of access loss this policy, NE-FISH-3, supports enhancing access where practical. Who is this of interest to?

13. The following three groups should be aware of this policy, and the organisations in (a) and (b) below should apply the policy:

a) All public authorities (including MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency).

5 MMO 2017. UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2016. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/647482/UK_Sea_Fisheries_Statistics_2016_Full_report.pdf 6 MMO 2016. Sustainability appraisal scoping report – North East, North West, South East and South West Marine Plans. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-appraisal-scoping-report-north-east-north-west-south-east-south-west-marine-plans 7 HM Government, Marine Policy Statement (2011) 8 Seafood 2040. A strategic framework for England. Seafish. Available from: http://www.seafish.org/media/publications/Seafood_2040_lo-res_050218.pdf (accessed 11 October 2018).

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b) Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors potentially affecting fishing and aquaculture sector access, including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

c) The fishing sector (including fishing associations, producer organisations and individuals), may wish to be aware of and respond to consultations for specific activities within the north east marine plan areas. Contact the Marine Licensing team ([email protected]) for details of how to apply to register as a consultee.

How should this policy be applied?

14. Proposals should include proportionate supporting information, illustrating how proposals will enhance access to or within aquaculture sites, and for fishing activities.

15. Where fishing and aquaculture activities occur, proposals should demonstrate that they have assessed the extent to which these activities could operate in the vicinity of the same footprint proposed by the development and considered opportunities to enhance access. The development of co-existence and fisheries liaison plans is one example of how this may be achieved.

16. Opportunities to enhance access can include co-location. This could include developing shared use of landing facilities available to fishing or aquaculture where none were previously present, generating increases in the economic and social potential of such facilities for the local community. Further examples of where co- location can help access particularly for aquaculture can be seen in policy NE-AQ-2.

17. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on enhancing access to or within aquaculture sites, or fishing activities. Signposting

18. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to achievement of this policy include:

• consideration of co-existence and displacement under the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive

• international maritime law, and in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in relation to safe navigation

• good practice guidelines promoting co-existence (e.g. Fisheries Liaison with Offshore Wind and Wet Renewables Group: Recommendations for Fisheries Liaison, Best Practice Guidance for Offshore Renewables Developers; European Subsea Cables Association, Fishing Liaison Guidelines).

• Common Fisheries Policy • Co-existence and Fisheries Liaison Plans (voluntary or required) • Habitats Regulations Assessment • MMO and IFCA byelaws • MGN 543 Safety of navigation: Offshore renewable energy installations

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19. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include: • Marine Information System

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Policy drafting template – NE-FISH-4

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Fisheries B Code NE-FISH-4

Policy NE-FISH-4 Proposals enhancing essential fish habitat, including spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and migratory routes should be supported. If proposals cannot enhance essential fish habitat, they must demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoid, b) minimise, c) mitigate significant adverse impact on essential fish habitat, including spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and migration routes.

What is essential fish habitat? 1. This policy relates to the protection of a natural resource: essential fish habitats.

2. Essential fish habitats are all areas of inter-tidal and sub-tidal water, sea andriverbed, and the associated water column necessary to fish (this includes shellfishand other marine organisms) for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to maturity.Essential fish habitats also encompass migration routes, such as estuaries orchannels that connect essential fish habitats throughout their life cycle.

3. Together these habitats enhance breeding success, survival and growth of fish andultimately increase stock yields.

4. Sustainable fishing and aquaculture industries provide benefits to coastalcommunities and contribute to UK food security. These activities are restricted inwhere they can operate, making them vulnerable to loss of access caused bysurrounding sea use.

5. Proposals can adversely impact the availability or quality of essential fish habitatsand fish stock sustainability through removal, change to hydrodynamic regimes,pollution or numerous other mechanisms. There is therefore a need to protectessential fish habitats and the services they provide from adverse impacts fromproposals.

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Where is essential fish habitat in the North East Marine Plan area? 6. The whole of the Northumberland coast is protected by a Marine Conservation Zone,

which is mainly managed by the Northern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority. One particular nursery area has been identified in Durridge Bay, for turbot.

7. Nephrops are the most important commercial stock on the north east coast. There are measures attached to fishing vessels’ fishing licences, as well as two Marine Conservation Zones on the FARNE Deeps grounds off North Northumberland, in order to protect these stocks.

8. Estuaries are especially important for young fish in the first years of their lives. The estuaries are highly-productive shelters from the open seas, creating hiding places for small fish from predators and storms. The estuaries also offer a range of smaller prey that young fish can feed on. Research has proven that estuaries are so important to the growth and development of young fish, that they have been named ‘nursery areas’ and need special protection. When is essential fish habitat present in the North East Marine Plan area?

9. Habitats may require protection throughout the year or at specific times reflecting key periods in the lifecycle of fish, shellfish species and other marine organisms. Spawning and nursery grounds are often active during certain times of the year. Avoiding these times of the year can be important when considering how to minimise or mitigate a project’s impact within a proposal. Proposals should be informed by local byelaws and restrictions in force in the area. Why is essential fish habitat important to the North East Marine Plan area?

10. The North East Marine Plan area contains some of the most important, productive and intensively used coastal waters in the UK. According to data collected by the MMO, the value of commercial fisheries in the North East Marine Plan area was of over £24million between September 2017 and August 2018.

11. A sustainable fish population and any associated sustainable fishing industry rely upon essential fish habitats. Such habitats are necessary for spawning, breeding, feeding, and the survival of early life stage and subsequent growth of fish to maturity. Together these habitats enhance breeding success, survival and growth of fish, and ultimately increase stock yields.

12. Young fish often require different food and conditions to adults. Nursery areas are places with suitable food and environmental conditions for these juvenile fish, and also provide shelter to protect them from predation.

13. Many commercial fish species spend their early years in inshore areas, migrating into offshore waters when they reach adulthood and only returning inshore again to spawn. This helps to identify a distinct separation between juvenile and adult habitats and therefore a defined nursery area.

14. By protecting juvenile fish in these distinct nursery areas, it in turn enhances the offshore harvestable stocks of fish. By ensuring these young fish have the best possible chance of survival, they are able to reach adulthood, reproduce and contribute to future populations.

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15. Proposals can adversely impact the availability or quality of essential fish habitats and fish stock sustainability through removal, change to hydrodynamic regimes, pollution or numerous other mechanisms.

16. This policy contributes to the aims of the Marine Policy Statement (3.8.1) in supporting the long-term existence of the fisheries sector through support of stock recruitment. It recognises that ‘sustainable fish stocks have the potential to maintain a prosperous and efficient fishing industry providing social, cultural and economic benefits to often fragile coastal communities’ (Marine Policy Statement 3.8.6).

17. This policy contributes to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive descriptors 1, 3, 4 and 6 in line with ecosystem approaches to management recognising wider connections between ecosystem elements. Preservation of essential fish habitats and the species they support is an important part of preservation of biological diversity (descriptor 1), has important consequences for sea floor integrity (descriptor 6), wider elements of marine food webs (descriptor 4) and the commercial resources they sustain (descriptor 3). Who is this of interest to?

18. All public authorities; Marine Management Organisation licensing, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency.

19. Other management plans and landscape designations/ definitions including National parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans, coastal partnership plans.

20. Potential applicants or proponents, covering a range of sectors including (but not limited to) subsea cabling, aquaculture, renewable energy, aggregate extraction, dredging, and tourism and recreation.

21. The commercial and recreational fishing sectors (including fishing associations, the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisation, Producer Organisations, local Fisheries Liaison Officer, and individuals) may wish to be aware of and respond to consultations for specific activities within the North East Marine Plan area. Contact the Marine Licensing team ([email protected]) for details of how to apply to register as a consultee. How should this policy be applied?

22. Proposals should include supporting information demonstrating how they enhance essential fish habitat, including spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and migratory routes. Enhancement refers to measures taken which have a positive impact. Such measures can include but are not limited to improving or creating new habitat such as estuarine sediments, upstream habitat, river restoration, intertidal habitat, natural flood management, or the improvement or creation of fish passages.

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23. Where positive impacts have been identified, proposals must also assess adverse impacts in line with relevant legislation. Enhancement is not a substitute for avoidance, minimisation or mitigation measures.

24. Proposals are still required to be in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations including Habitats Regulations Assessment, Marine and Coastal Access Act, Environmental Impact Assessment and other national legislation.

25. Proposals should demonstrate that they will in order of preference avoid, minimise or mitigate the significant adverse impacts upon essential fish habitat. Examples of avoidance, minimisation and mitigation include careful analysis of alternatives, design stipulations, and ‘best management practices’- proposals cannot proceed to (b) unless they have first demonstrated why they cannot meet (a) etc.

26. Inclusion of this information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

27. If these criteria cannot be met by a proposal, where it requires an authorisation decision, it will only be authorised if there are relevant considerations in line with the Marine and Coastal Access Act (Section 58(2)).

28. As essential fish habitats often co-occur in coastal and priority habitats, public authorities should apply this policy in conjunction with the policies NE-BIO-3 and NE-BIO-4.

29. Proposals and public authorities should refer to figure XXX for indicative spawning and nursery grounds in the North East Marine Plan area. It is important to note that the map is indicative and does not show all the species relevant to this policy, due to limited evidence. It is important for public authorities to use the best available evidence in decision-making.

30. Public authorities should consider essential fish habitat for all fin fish and shellfish species during project level assessments. This would include fully marine species, and those species with a marine element to their lifecycle, for example: salmon, trout and eel, where proposals could impact on migration routes and associated habitat during the transition from marine to freshwater or vice-versa.

31. Public authorities should review data collected for Environmental Impact Assessments as information will be current and at a more appropriate resolution than the indicative data in figure XXX. For public authorities to accurately assess any proposal’s impact on essential fish habitats they must also consider a wider range of best available evidence and in consultation with the local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and other relevant bodies.

32. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on essential fish habitat.

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33. Other additional indicative information can be used including the location of areas closed due to a high abundance of juvenile fish, either seasonal or ‘real-time’ closures, to be found on the Marine Management Organisation’s website. Further essential fish habitat maps or updates may become available through the Marine Management Organisation’s Marine Information System. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science undertakes regular fisheries surveys and reports at the resolution of sub-rectangles of ICES statistical rectangles. Modelled data is available for some species for example MMO1133. The Environment Agency also carries out estuarine fisheries surveys. Signposting

34. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• National Planning Policy Framework • Scottish National Marine Plan

35. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Marine Information System • Marine Policy Statement

o The high level marine objectives identified for achieving a sustainable marine economy are listed in the Marine Policy Statement

• Marine Management Organisation evidence o MMO 1133 o MMO 1011

• Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science o CEFAS- C-BASS project

• Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities

36. Other additional indicative information can be used including the location of areas closed due to a high abundance of juvenile fish, either seasonal or ‘real-time’ closures, to be found on the Marine Management Organisation’s website.

37. Further essential fish habitat maps or updates may become available through the Marine Management Organisation’s Marine Information System. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science undertakes regular fisheries surveys and reports at the resolution of sub-rectangles of ICES statistical rectangles.

38. Modelled data is available for some species, for example MMO1133. The Environment Agency also carries out estuarine fisheries surveys.

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Plan area North East Grouping Governance Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Promoting good governance Marine businesses are subject to clear, timely, proportionate and, where appropriate, plan led regulation.

Other relevant policies NE-CO-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

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Policy drafting template - NE-GOV-1 HLMO Promoting good

governance

Sub bullet(s) Marine businesses are subject to clear, timely, proportionate and, where appropriate, plan led regulation.

Grouping Governance Code NE-GOV-1 Policy NE-GOV-1 Proposals that consider transboundary impacts throughout the lifetime of the proposed activity will be supported. Proposals that impact upon one or more marine plan areas or marine proposals that impact upon terrestrial environments must show evidence of the relevant public authorities (including other countries) being consulted. What are transboundary impacts?

1. Transboundary impacts are those physical, environmental, social and/or economic effects on the terrestrial environment or upon adjacent marine plan areas that are caused by activities or decisions made in the north east marine plan areas. Where are transboundary impacts in the north east marine plan areas?

2. The north east marine plan areas share a marine border with the east marine plan areas as well as Scottish, Norwegian, Danish, German and Dutch marine areas. There is an overlap in jurisdiction between the inshore north east marine plan area and the terrestrial local authorities of Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Scarborough and East Riding. The overlap in jurisdiction is due to the marine plans extending to the mean high water spring mark and terrestrial planning authority extending to the mean low water spring mark. Why are transboundary impacts important to in north east marine plan areas?

3. Alignment of marine planning with other planning, regulation and management that affects the use of the marine area and its resources is necessary in order to manage pressures, further environmental health and achieve sustainable development across the coastal areas of the north east.

4. Integration of terrestrial and marine systems across plan boundaries should provide consistency, for example in the management of ecosystems such as estuaries as a single system. Conflicting decisions between planning zones could have significant adverse impacts in these areas, leading to failure for one or more authorities to reach their plan objectives.

5. The north east inshore marine plan area shares borders with 10 local authorities. There is an overlap in authority between the low mean water spring mark and the high mean water spring mark. The overlap in jurisdiction means that decisions made regarding activities or development in this intertidal zone can have adverse impacts upon the plan objectives of the reciprocal authorities. Additionally, activities that occur wholly below the low mean water spring mark or wholly above the high mean

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water spring mark can have adverse impacts upon the reciprocal area and thus it is important for public authorities to consult with all authorities who may be affected by an authorisation or enforcement decision. The Coastal Concordat provides a framework to assist in the co-ordination of the processes that exist for the consent of coastal developments in England.

6. The north east marine plan areas are adjacent to the east marine plan areas and also share a border with Scottish, Norwegian, Danish, German and Dutch marine areas. It is important to ensure transboundary impacts are minimised across international borders. Decisions or activities should be made with due regard to the vision and objectives of all adjacent planning areas, both marine and terrestrial, to ensure activities and development within the north east marine plan areas do not cause direct or indirect impacts to these neighbouring areas and vice versa. For example, a decision causing displacement of activities to an adjacent plan area could increase adverse impacts upon the environment or conflicts between sectors in the adjacent plan area.

7. The UK Marine Policy Statement states that marine plans are required to co-ordinate planning across administrative boundaries and to sit alongside existing terrestrial planning regimes. The National Planning Policy Framework states: ‘In coastal areas, planning policies and decisions should take account of the UK Marine Policy Statement and marine plans. Integrated Coastal Zone Management should be pursued across local authority and land/sea boundaries, to ensure effective alignment of the terrestrial and marine planning regimes.’ Scottish Government How should this policy be applied?

8. Proposals that occur above the low mean water spring mark should consider the transboundary impacts upon the marine plan area including economic, social and environmental impacts.

9. Proposals that occur in the north east marine plan areas should consider the transboundary impacts upon adjacent marine plan areas and the terrestrial environment including economic, social and environmental impacts.

10. In accordance with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (S58.3), proposals within the marine plan areas and within a terrestrial area that has a coast or tidal river should consider all marine plan policies and not take any policy within the plan in isolation.

11. In accordance with the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (S58.3), local planning authorities should consider the transboundary impacts of enforcement or authorisation decisions upon the north east marine plan areas; they should consider all the policies in the North East Marine Plan to ensure that decisions do not cause significant adverse impacts within the marine plan areas. These impacts include decisions or local plan policies that would result in economic decline, a reduction in social benefit or detrimental impacts upon the marine environment. Development, adoption and use of the Coastal Concordat, shoreline management plans and coastal change management areas, aligned with this policy, will aid the management of these transboundary effects.

12. In accordance with the Localism Act 2011, marine planning and licensing authorities should consider the transboundary impacts of marine developments upon the area

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above the mean high water spring mark; they should consider the relevant local plan(s) in their decision making to ensure that marine based activities do not conflict with the policies, objectives and vision of local terrestrial plans.

13. Public authorities must consult with relevant bordering authorities when developing plans or making decisions that may impact bordering plan areas. Public authority decisions and plans should be compliant with the relevant local development plans.

14. Public authorities should also consider non-statutory plans and strategies in plan making and decision making and allow for integration of policies where relevant to the local area. For example, shoreline management plans and coastal partnership concordats.

15. Local authorities, in accordance with Section 58(3) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act, when considering terrestrial development will consult terrestrial planning policy and development plan documents which already include policies addressing coastal and estuarine planning, but they will need to consider marine policy guidance and the two will complement each other to ensure:

• liaison between respective responsible authorities for terrestrial and marine planning, including in plan development, implementation and review stages. This will help ensure, for example, that developments in the marine environment are supported by the appropriate infrastructure on land and reflected in terrestrial development plans and vice versa

• sharing the evidence base and data where relevant and appropriate so as to achieve consistency in the data used in plan making and decisions. When developing or reviewing regional marine plans and coastal change management policies local and public authorities should consider: relevant statutory and non-statutory plans or strategies to allow for integration of policies of local relevance. Sharing of data between plan authorities and cross-border and the timely development of Marine Plans for any area will assist in managing transboundary impacts.

16. Public authorities should strive for alignment of marine planning with other planning,

regulation and management that affects the use of the marine area and its resources by individual users as well as public and private organisations. Alignment of marine planning will be important to manage coastal change and sustainability. Inter-organisational consultation and sharing of information is determined by this policy to ensure effective use of the marine environment to create sustainable development and infrastructure that best benefits the physical, economic and social environment of the coastline and adjacent areas.

17. Evidence of consultations conducted between relevant authorities during development phases must be available to decision makers. This evidence may take the form of, but not be limited to, meeting minutes, consultation and survey reports that are available in the public domain (eg forming part of an application to a public authority).

18. Signposting • Coastal concordat • Localism Act (2011) • National Planning Policy Framework

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• Shoreline management plans • Local plans • Neighbourhood plans • Marine and Coastal Access Act • Marine Policy Statement

19. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Marine Information System

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Plan area North East Grouping Heritage Assets Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its natural and cultural heritage and its resources and act responsibly.

Other relevant policies NE-CO-1 NE-SOC-1 NE-SCP-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

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Policy Template –NE-HER-1

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its natural and cultural heritage and its resources and act responsibly.

Grouping Heritage Assets Code NE-HER-1

Policy NE-HER-1: heritage assets Proposals that demonstrate they will enhance elements contributing to the significance of heritage assets will be supported. Proposals unable to enhance elements contributing to the significance of heritage assets will only be supported if they demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoidb) minimisec) mitigate harm to the enhance elements contributing to the significance of heritageassetsd) if it is not possible, to minimise or mitigate, then the public benefits for proceedingwith the proposal must outweigh the harm to the significance of heritage assets.

What are heritage assets? 1. Heritage assets are the aspects of the historic environment such as buildings,

monuments or landscapes that have a degree of significance meriting considerationin decision-making. The Marine Policy Statement (2.6.6.1). states that ‘The historicenvironment includes all aspects of an area that are the result of an interactionbetween people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains ofpast human activity, whether visible, buried or submerged’.

2. Some heritage assets have a level of interest that justifies statutory designation, thepurpose of which is to ensure that they are protected and conserved for the benefitof this and future generations. In the English marine area, designated heritageassets include:

• scheduled monuments designated under the Ancient Monuments andArchaeological Areas Act 1979

• protected wreck sites designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973• sites designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.• the settings of assets may also be important to the asset and its significance.• listed buildings• conservation areas• registered parks and gardens• registered battlefields.

3. The Marine Policy Statement (2.6.6.8 and 2.6.6.5) continues ‘the more significant theasset, the greater should be the presumption in favour of its conservation’. However,‘many heritage assets are not currently designated as scheduled monuments orprotected wreck sites, but are demonstrably of equivalent significance. The absenceof designation for such assets does not necessarily indicate lower significance and

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the marine plan authority will seek designation as appropriate prior to planning permission being granted. Where are heritage assets in the north east marine plan areas?

4. A Historic Seascape Characterisation (HSC) of the north east marine plan areas has been carried out by Historic England, part of a national HSC database. This characterisation mapped and described the areas’ historic cultural influences and contributed to the North East Seascape Assessment (MMO1134).

5. Historic wrecks are spread widely across the north east marine plan areas and are mapped in more detail in the inshore area. Wreck sites are more prevalent in the approaches to the Tyne, Tees and Wear rivers. The plan area contains three of the 53 protected wrecks in England. Therefore, proposals in these areas should have greater consideration of the significance of undiscovered wrecks.

6. To the north of the plan area the coastline is dominated by historic fortifications 5including Warkworth, Dunstanburgh Bamborgh. Cultural and religious associations include St Oswald, seventh century King of Northumbria and St Cuthbert, resident of Lindisfarne and the Farne islands. These assets, and their setting, are important and should be protected from damage caused by footfall and coastal erosion and development. The south of the offshore area is significant for shallow-depth submerged prehistoric landscapes. The area has an association with Doggerland, the dry land that connected the UK with Europe during Upper Palaeolithic to Mesolithic times, located primarily in the East Offshore Marine Plan Area but extending into the North East Marine Plan Areas too. Research along with trawled and dredged finds indicate extensive submerged land surfaces with occupation deposits. The Northumberland coast also has numerous sites of prehistoric occupation including the very rare early Mesolithic house site behind the cliff edge at Howick. When do heritage assets take place in north east marine plan areas?

7. The effects of seasonal weather patterns and increased storminess should be considered especially in areas prone to damage of heritage assets through coastal erosion. This is also a factor in the preservation and recording of heritage assets and the timeliness of designation.

8. In spring and summer months there is increase footfall from tourism and recreation activities especially around historic buildings, wrecks (through diving activities) and general access to the marine environment. Why are heritage assets important to the north east marine plan areas?

9. The north east marine plan areas have many significant cultural assets. Many of these are protected through existing statutory designations. However, some have little protection despite their contribution to the character of the north east marine plan areas and tourism economy which makes them especially worthy of consideration by developers and decision-makers.

10. NE-HER-1 makes sure that proposals do not have an adverse impact on marine and coastal heritage assets, regardless of their designation status. This ensures the diversity of the marine environment, and its cultural heritage, is protected.

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Who is this of interest to? 11. Applicants or proponents in shaping and influencing what they may wish to do where

and how they may wish to do it

12. All public authorities; Marine Management Organisation licensing, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Terrestrial Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Coastal Partnerships. How should the policy be applied?

13. The aim of this policy is to conserve and enhance marine and coastal heritage assets and to extend consideration to those assets that are, or have the potential to become significant. It will make sure that assets are considered in the decision-making process and extends to those assets that are not designated and those that are discovered during the course of developments.

14. Proposals should consider the potential impact on heritage assets taking into account the risk of damage to, or degradation of, assets. Proposals should therefore seek to avoid locations where heritage assets may be located. Where such locations cannot be avoided, proposals should seek to minimise harm including through the use of less invasive construction techniques and in consultation with Historic England. Historic England and/or the local authority may seek to catalogue assets as appropriate for the Historic Environment Record. In designated areas, heritage assets should be conserved and enhanced in accordance with statutory purposes.

15. Where it is not possible to minimise or mitigate adverse impacts, proposals should state the case for proceeding, including how the proposal supports the North East Marine Plan vision, objectives and other plan policies. The public benefits for proceeding with the proposal must outweigh the compromise or harm to the heritage asset. In assessing public benefits in relation to proposals that may compromise or harm heritage assets, relevant tests set out in the National Planning Policy Framework should be considered. Inclusion of this information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

16. Proposals may include plans to avoid locations where heritage assets may be located, to minimise compromise or harm through the use of less invasive construction techniques, or to mitigate for compromise or harm through their location or cataloguing of assets in consultation with Historic England and/or the local authority responsible for the Historic Environment Record.

17. Public authorities should consult with the relevant regulators and advisors, local authorities and other bodies (such as local civic societies) to make sure that heritage assets, with cultural, social or economic value (especially to the north east area), are considered in the decision- making process. Public authorities should consider evidence for the level of significance of a heritage asset, including information and advice from relevant regulators and advisors and how they are managed. This

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applies to both identified heritage assets and the potential for such assets to be discovered.

18. Public authorities should consider all heritage assets, including those that are not designated or have been newly identified during development, in line with information and advice from Historic England with the aim of avoiding, minimising or mitigating possible compromise or harm.

19. Public authorities should take into account the historic character of the marine plan areas, with particular attention paid to the landscapes, seascapes and groupings of assets that give it a distinctive identity. Further information can be obtained from NE-SCP-1 - a related policy.

20. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on elements contributing to the significance of heritage assets.

21. Designated wreck sites can be found at figure XX. It should be noted that figure XX does not include all wreck data for the north east marine plan areas as such data is incomplete, especially for the offshore area. Further information can be obtained from Historic England and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

22. Proposals should also take account of geodiversity and its relevance to heritage assets NE-MPA-5. Other related policies include NE-CO-1, NE-SOC-1, NE-SOC-3 and NE-SCP-1 Signposting

23. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this/these policies include:

• Marine Policy Statement (2.6.6) • National Planning Policy Framework • National Policy Statement for Energy EN-1 • National Policy Statement for Ports • NE-CO-1, NE-SOC-1 and NE-SCP-1

24. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the objective

include: • Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries: Offshore Renewables Projects” (The

Crown Estate) • Historic England guidance for users of the marine environment, which should

be considered by those undertaking activities that may impact upon the historic environment:

o Morphe Project Managers Guide o Conservation Principles o Guidance for Divers o Marine Licensing and England’s Historic Environment o Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment o The Setting of Heritage Assets (2nd Edition)

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• North East Seascape Assessment (NE-SCP-1) (Approach to Visual Resource Mapping)

• An Approach to Seascape Characterisation (NE-SCP-1) • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Heritage coasts • Historic Seascape Characterisation (NE-SCP-1) • Historic Landscape Characterisation • National Parks • World Heritage Sites UK • Conservation Areas • Historic Environment Records provide detailed information on historic assets

at a local level • United Kingdom Hydrographic Office • Historic England Ships and Boats Selection Guide • Historic England protecting heritage assets • Historic England ‘Introductions to Heritage Assets’ series, subdivided into:

o Ships and Boats o Archaeology o Buildings o Designed Landscapes

• Historic Environment Records provide detailed information on historic assets at a local level

• Rapid coastal zone assessment reports include assessments of existing terrestrial, shoreline and intertidal assessments as a means of improving understanding of the submerged heritage

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Plan area North East Grouping Infrastructure Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Achieving a sustainable marine economy Infrastructure is in place to support and promote safe, profitable and efficient marine businesses.

Other relevant policies NE-GOV-1 Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

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SE

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Policy drafting template – NE-INF-1 HLMO Achieving a sustainable

marine economy Sub bullet(s) Infrastructure is in place

to support and promote safe, profitable and efficient marine businesses.

Grouping Infrastructure Code NE-INF-1

Policy NE-INF-1 Appropriate land-based infrastructure which facilitates marine activity (and vice versa) should be supported. What is Infrastructure?

1. Infrastructure is a physical structure or facility which could be in the form of, but not limited to:

• landing, storage and processing facilities for catch or freight • terminals for aggregate or waste handling • slipways • boat repair facilities • infrastructure for passenger transfer • utilities transmission, including cables and associated infrastructure

Where is land-based infrastructure in the north east marine plan areas?

2. Small and large scale land-based infrastructure can occur across the intertidal area and on land in areas adjacent to the north east inshore marine plan area. On both land and in the intertidal area land-based infrastructure facilitates and connects to activities in the inshore and offshore marine plan area. Why is land-based infrastructure important to the north east marine plan areas?

3. Land-based infrastructure in the north east inshore marine plan area could promote economic growth and jobs in the marine area. Land-based infrastructure to maintain and support current and future activity may be needed. Some examples identified in The Futures Analysis Report are:

• new or changed infrastructure at ports to correspond with an increased offshore sector

• maintenance and replacement of the cable network • onshore infrastructure development for carbon capture storage projects • proposals supporting landing facilities for fisheries and aquaculture • infrastructure supporting offshore oil and gas operations in the north sea

4. NE-INF-1 is important to support infrastructure in ecosystems such as estuaries, so

that they are managed as a single system to ensure integration. For example there are currently four local planning authorities within the Tyne estuary where the north east marine plan covers the entirety of the estuary. NE-GOV-2 expands upon the importance of an integrated approach.

5. NE-INF-1 has been developed to:

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• clarify the integration of the terrestrial and marine systems as required in provisions of the UK Marine Policy Statement

• provide more detail and prescription for both land-based and marine public authorities including local planning authorities

• support the consideration of proposed activities and measures related to land-based infrastructure

• aid in the development and review of plans, for example local plans

6. Who is this of interest to? • Marine Management Organisation • The Planning Inspectorate • Local planning authorities • Statutory harbour authorities • Environment Agency • The Department of Transport • The Department for Business, Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy • The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

How should this policy be applied?

7. The phrase ‘appropriate’ in NE-INF-1 refers to the need to be compliant with relevant local plans, for example proposals in the marine area that would significantly compromise terrestrial development plans are unlikely to be supported. The appropriateness of any such infrastructure is to be assessed by public authorities within their decision-making activities. Proposals will be assessed on their individual merits as suitable or proper circumstances with local plans as a material consideration where relevant.

8. This policy should be implemented by public authorities when authorising proposals or making decisions which relate to land-based infrastructure supporting marine and terrestrial activity.

9. Public authorities should support marine activities and their associated land-based infrastructure in their decision making as well as in other public authority enforcement or authorisation decisions, for example strategic policy-making authorities in the drafting or amendment of their local plans. Public authorities should also take into account proposals on land that have potential impacts on the application of marine plan objectives. The Coastal Concordat can be used for decisions on proposals with both terrestrial and marine authorisations providing a co-ordinated process.

10. Examples of land-based infrastructure which facilitates marine activity that should be supported by public authorities include land-based handling and disposal facilities for vessels for refuse, waste water and sewage. NE-INF-1 supports the Waste Management Plan for England (pages 30, 31) which aims to ‘help achieve sustainable waste management by securing adequate provision of new waste management facilities of the right type, in the right place and at the right time’.

11. NE-INF-1 supports the National Policy Statement for Energy where ‘the government is committed to increasing dramatically the amount of renewable energy capacity’

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including offshore wind which would require land based infrastructure for utilities transmission and port development to service new sites.

12. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects which facilitate marine activity. Signposting

13. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• National Planning Policy Framework • Marine Policy Statement • Localism Act

14. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Coastal Concordat • Memorandum of Understanding in the Tees Estuary • National Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2016 to 2021 and Annual Reports on

National Infrastructure Construction and Infrastructure Pipelines

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Plan area North East Grouping Seascape and landscape Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its natural and cultural heritage, and its resources and act responsibly.

Other relevant policies NE-HER-1 Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW

SE

SW

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Policy Template – NE-SCP-1

High Level Marine Objective

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) People appreciate the diversity of the marine environment, its seascapes, its natural and cultural heritage, and its resources and act responsibly.

Grouping Seascape and Landscape Code NE-SCP-1

Policy NE-SCP-1 Seascape and Landscape Proposals should demonstrate how the significant adverse impacts of a development on the seascape and landscape of an area has been considered. The proposal will only be supported if they demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) avoidb) minimisec) mitigated) if it is not possible to mitigate, the public benefits for proceeding with the proposalthat outweigh significant adverse impacts to the seascape and landscape of an areaand its significance.

Where possible, proposals should demonstrate that they have considered how highly the seascape and landscapes of an area is valued, its quality, and the areas potential for change. In addition, the scale and design of the proposal should be compatible with its surroundings, and not have a significant adverse impact on the seascape and landscapes of an area or the wider landscape.

What is seascape and landscape? 1. The Marine Policy Statement (2.6.5.1) states that, ‘There is no legal definition for

seascape in the UK but the European Landscape Convention (ELC) defineslandscape as “an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of theaction and interaction of natural and/or human factors. In the context of thisdocument, references to seascape should be taken as meaning landscapes withviews of the coast or seas, and coasts and the adjacent marine environment withcultural, historical and archaeological links with each other’.

2. Seascape can be broken down into its constituent parts of visual resource andmarine character.

• Visual resource - can be interpreted primarily as views of the coast and seafrom the land. Views from the sea to land, and sea to sea are also relevant.

• Marine character - In addition to the ELC definition, this includes acombination of characteristics above the surface, within the water column andon or below the seabed.

3. In a study carried out for the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the NorthEast Seascape Assessment has described and mapped the visual resource andmarine character of the north east marine plan areas (figures XXX and XXX) TheNorth East Seascape Assessment is available to assist public authorities and otherswhen considering proposals.

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Where is seascape and landscape in the north east marine plan areas?

4. The north east inshore and offshore marine plan areas cover an area of approximately 687 kilometres of coastline, taking in over 50,000 square kilometres of sea. This policy applies to the full extent of the north east inshore and offshore marine plan areas including views of, and from, areas beyond the north east areas themselves. Further demonstration is required within, or relatively close, to nationally designated areas. In the north east this relates to:

• Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • North Yorkshire Moors National Park • North Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire and Cleveland and

Flamborough Head heritage coasts. • Conservation Areas and other designated areas.

When does seascape and landscape take place in north east marine plan areas?

5. Unlike some activities character and the visual perception of an area is happening all of the time. The activities or infrastructure which contribute to an areas character is slowly changing over time. Likewise, those viewing the plan areas from the coast or sea have differing perceptions based on their use or the seasonality of the area. New development such as increase access, diversification towards the tourist industry or the new coastal path provides opportunities for those visiting the coast to enjoy and appreciate its seascape and landscape Why is seascape and landscape important to the north east marine plan areas?

6. Seascapes and landscapes in the north east marine plan areas has been shaped over the centuries through the introduction of early Christianity at Lindisfarne, settling Vikings visiting our shores and the rich coastal historic buildings lining the Northumberland Coast. More recently, extensive industrial activity including coal mining, ship building on the Tyne and Wear, car manufacturing on Wearside, and petro-chemicals on the Tees has shaped the culture and perception of the area.

7. The changing nature of these areas has led to an increase in service sector employment and development of new energy technology. The changing seascape and landscapes has adapted to reclaim rivers and beaches for more social and recreational uses. The offshore is significant for shallow-depth submerged prehistoric landscapes, associated with Doggerland, and supports the oil and gas industry, the fishing industry and defence activities. Visually, the prevalence of protected landscapes are important for their identity and their association with tourism and recreation activities in the north east marine plan areas.

8. NE-SCP-1 ensures that proposals should only be supported if they manage impacts on the seascape and landscapes. It also adds clarity to existing national policy by identifying the visual resource and key characteristics of the north east marine plan areas, enabling these policies to be better supported.

9. This policy adds value to this as it ensures that seascape and landscapes is also considered in decisions for proposals on developments, activities or management measures. Decisions should aim to avoid, minimise or mitigate potential significant adverse effects within the north east marine plan area. This policy also adds clarity

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to existing national policy by identifying the visual resource and characteristics of the north east marine plan area. Who is this of interest to?

10. Applicants or proponents in shaping and influencing what they may wish to do where and how they may wish to do it

11. All public authorities; MMO, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Terrestrial Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Coastal Partnerships, CPRE.

12. Bodies administering other management plans and landscape designations/ definitions including National parks, AONBs, Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans, Conservation Areas and the statutory heritage designations. How should this policy be implemented?

13. The Marine Policy Statement (2.6.5.2) states that ‘When developing Marine Plans, marine plan authorities should consider at a strategic level visual, cultural, historical and archaeological impacts not just for those coastal areas that are particularly important for seascape, but for all coastal areas, liaising with terrestrial planning authorities as necessary. In addition, any wider social and economic impacts of a development or activity on coastal landscapes and seascapes should be considered’

14. It goes on to state (2.6.5.3) that ‘In considering the impact of an activity or development on seascape, the marine plan authority should take into account existing character and quality, how highly it is valued and its capacity to accommodate change specific to any development. Landscape Character Assessment methodology may be an aid to this process’.

15. There are a range of statutory policies and measures already in place to take into account nationally designated areas, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites.

16. Proposals should not detract from the qualities of a designated area. Proposals should demonstrate that they have considered the visual impact on designated areas and its immediate and wider setting. These should be minimised through high quality design that reflects local landscape character with particular regard to scale, siting, materials and colour.

17. Outside of designated areas, or their settings, proposals where it is not possible to avoid, minimise or mitigate harm will need to demonstrate that the public benefits for proceeding and the benefits of the proposal outweigh the compromise or harm to the l seascape or landscape of an area. Evidence will need to show, for example, how the proposal supports the North East Marine Plan vision, objectives and other plan policies. Inclusion of this information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material planning considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

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18. On a case-by-case basis public authorities will assess if proposals have considered

how highly the seascape and landscapes of an area is valued, its quality and the areas potential for change. In advance of a preferred methodology, public authorities should seek advice from Natural England, Historic England and Local Planning Authorities including designated areas. Where advice states that it is not possible to determine this then there will be no further requirements for consideration by the decision maker. Once a preferred methodology has been adopted, the requirement of how to consider an areas value, quality or potential for change under policy NE-SCP-1 may change. New and evolving advice will not be applied retrospectively to activities that have already been consented.

19. Consideration of potential impacts should take into account visibility, prevailing weather conditions, angle of views and the temporal or permanent nature of a structure, including its scale, design or activity.

20. Public authorities should consider a proposal’s impact on seascape and landscapes, taking into account views to and from the sea, existing marine character and quality, how highly it is valued and its capacity to accommodate change specific to any proposal.

21. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on seascape and landscape.

22. In assessing a proposal, public authorities should consult with relevant bodies including Natural England, Historic England and Local Planning Authorities including designated areas, considering seascape and landscapes assessments where appropriate. Signposting - seascape and landscape

23. Existing measures which relate, and may contribute, to the achievement of this policy include:

• Marine Policy Statement (2.6.5) (NE-SCP-1) • National Planning Policy Framework (Section 11 and Section 7) (see box 3) • European Landscape Convention (see box 3)

24. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• An Approach to Seascape Characterisation (NE-SCP-1) • North East Seascape Assessment (NE-SCP-1) (Approach to Visual Resource

Mapping) • Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd Edition) • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Heritage coasts • Historic Seascape Characterisation (NE-SCP-1) • Historic Landscape Characterisation • National Parks • World Heritage Sites UK • The Setting of Heritage Assets (2nd Edition)

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Plan area North East Grouping Social Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community

Other relevant policies NE-ACC-1 NE-ACC-2 NE-TR-1 NE-TR-2 NE-FISH-1 NE-FISH-2 NE-FISH-3 NE-FISH-4 NE-EMP-2 NE-EMP-3 NE-EMP-4 NE-SCP-1 NE-BIO-1 NE-BIO-3 NE-BIO-4 NE-BIO-5 NE-BIO-6 NE-MPA-1 NE-MPA-2 NE-MPA-3 NE-MPA-4 NE-MPA-6 NE-HER-1 NE-WQ-1 NE-WQ-2 NE-WQ-3

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW

SE

SW

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Policy drafting template – NE-SOC-1

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community

Grouping Social Code NE-SOC-1

Policy NE-SOC-1 Proposals that enhance or promote social benefits should be supported. Proposals unable to enhance or promote social benefits should demonstrate that they will, in order of preference: a) minimise, or b) mitigate adverse impacts which result in the displacement of other existing or authorised (but yet to be implemented) activities that generate social benefits.

What are social benefits? 1. Social benefits related to marine activities (and the natural and historic environment

on which they are based) include, but are not limited to, improved health and well-being, enjoyment, cultural identity and a sense of place. In the first instance suchbenefits are gained directly by people in coastal communities immediately adjacentto the north east marine area (see Map X). This can be due to residing near thecoast, with views of it, experiencing it in all weathers and seasons, and being able toregularly recreate in and adjacent to the marine area. Some of these benefits can begained by visitors to the area. People who may never visit the noth east marine areamay also gain social benefits through virtual experiences or just having confidence inits sustainable management. Social benefits are also derived indirectly from peoplegaining marine area-related employment and skills. Benefits are generallycontingent on the natural and historic environment on which they are based. Theymay also require sector industries for their realisation (see for example relatedpolicies on Access, Tourism and Recreation, Fishing, Employment, Seascape,Biodiversity, MPAs, Water Quality and Heritage Assets).

What is displacement?2. Displacement is when an activity is moved (in time or geographical space) because

of the introduction or impact of another activity. It can mean that the activity may nolonger be able to take place. There is a recognised need to better understand thepotential social impacts (positive and negative, direct and indirect, permanent andtemporary, as well as those resulting from cumulative effects) of displacement.

Where are social benefits in the North East marine plan areas?3. The coastal typology, developed as part of the MMO Socio-economic study provides

an overview of the types of coastal communities and their social and economic

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characteristics including current position and recent trends compared to the national average. It describes the diversity between communities within the north east (see Map X) and their levels of deprivation, employment, education and health. This provides an indication of where social benefits are most needed to address challenges faced by local communities.

4. The most common typologies are Striving Communities and Structural Shifters. Many communities on Tyneside, Wearside and Teeside (in and around Gateshead, South Shields, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Hartlepool) experience high levels of deprivation with particular social and economic challenges for significant numbers of people in these areas. Some towns, including those on the County Durham coast and remorte seaside resorts such as Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, have lost their primary markets and are facing challenges in finding new ones. New Towns and Ports (in the South Tyneside and Wearside hinterland) face challenges relating to poor skills and high levels of worklessness, but counterbalanced by relatively strong economy and often located close to areas of economic growth. The North East also has significant numbers of Working Hard communities on the edge of towns such as Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough and their satellites. This indicates a strength in employment in industrial sectors and a stable population. While the proportion of people in Rural Chic and Working Countryside typologies in the North East is low large areas of the North York Moors coastline and inland are covered by such communities. When do social benefits take place in North East marine plan areas?

5. Many social benefits are derived all year round. Experiencing a sense of place, enjoyment of the seascape and health and well-being benefits are always available. Others such as personal satisfaction, indirectly obtained from employment and skills, may be seasonal if linked to patterns for fishing and the tourism sectors. Why are social benefits important to the North East marine plan areas?

6. All residents of coastal communities and visitors gain social benefits from the North East marine plan area over time, but to various degrees. Displacement of activities which produce social benefits, particularly ones that are important to coastal communities experiencing deprivation or other social challenges, is a concern. It is important to manage negative impacts on activities with social benefits (Marine Policy Statement 3.11.2, NPPF Chapter 8 and Monitoring Engagement with the Natural Environment 2017-18). . The need to encourage co-existence is essential in minimising or mitigating the negative impacts of displacement.

7. Sustainable development requires balanced assessment of environmental, social and economic cumulative impacts. Consideration of social impacts is especially necessary as they are particularly problematic to measure due to being more qualitative, indirect and diffuse.

8. As noted above many social benefits are derived indirectly from employment (in many industries, but including fishing), having skills, access to and within the marine area and recreation and tourism opportunities. Social benefits are also contingent on the natural and historic environment, the seascape, good water quality and reduced marine litter. Social benefits will be partly safeguarded as an indirect consequence of the effective implementation of relevant sector policies (see signposting below). However, as social benefits are derived from such a wide range of sources, and are

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important to both residents and visitors who experience them in diverse ways, active intervention is required to ensure they continue to be provided. Who is this of interest to?

9. Public authorities such as; • Local Planning Authorities • The Planning Inspectorate • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government • Marine Management Organisation licensing • Trinity House • Maritime and Coastguard Agency • Local Enterprise Partnerships • Local recreational groups

How should this policy be applied?

10. NE-SOC-1 ensures social benefits are explicitly addressed in proposals for new developments or activities and in the authorisations of decision-makers when assessing them. It encourages proposals that enhance or promote social benefits. If proposals are unable to demonstrate how they enhance or promote social benefits then they should demonstrate that they will, in order of preference, minimise or mitigate impacts which result in the displacement of other existing or authorised (but yet to be implemented) activities that generate social benefits. Minimise requires impacts that displace activities to be reduced in size, frequency and extent. Whereas mitigation means steps are taken at the same site of the proposal, or at a different site within or adjoining the north west marine area, to provide new social benefits that offset the loss of those displaced. Proposals cannot proceed to (b) unless they have first demonstrated why they cannot meet (a) etc. Proposals should include supporting information demonstrating how they will enhance or promote social benefits. Adverse impacts must be addressed in addition to describing any positive impacts. Evidence in support of social benefits is not a substitute for avoiding, mitigating or minimising adverse impacts.

11. This policy will be implemented by public authorities assessing proposals. It clarifies the provisions of the Marine Policy Statement, and complements policy NE-CO-1.

12. Proposals should identify and evidence where possible: • The activities already taking place in the area, and the resources on which

they are based, that provide social benefits. Such activities and resources include, but are not limited to:

o Access to and within the marine area; o Recreation opportunities; o Tourism opportunities and businesses; o MPAs, Biodiversity and Geological features that support recreation,

tourism and general awareness and appreciation; o Heritage assets; o Seascape character; o Fishing businesses and historical associations through past activity.

• The social benefits, that are derived from these activities, including, but not limited to:

o Health and well-being;

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o Enjoyment; o cultural identity; o a sense of place.

• The displacement of the above activities that would ensue from implementation/operation of the proposal.

• Mechanisms to minimise and mitigate the reduction on social benefits due to the displacement of activities. These may include:

o Alternative access; o New recreation and tourism opportunities (eg interpretation); o Alternative businesses that can provide additional social benefits.

13. Proposals must include a description of potential displacement impacts, including on

authorised, but yet to be implemented activities. Some existing activities can be identified via the Marine Information System (and the public register), local plans, shoreline management plans, and heritage coast and coastal partnership plans. This may include consultation (with public authorities, coastal partnerships, industry groups including those representing the recreation and tourism sector) to identify displacement issues at the pre-planning stage and suggested measures to minimise or mitigate them. If these criteria cannot be met by a proposal,where it requires an authorisation decision, it will only be authorised if there are relevant considerations in line with the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009)(Section 58(1)).

14. Proposals should identify adverse impacts in terms of both space (physical exclusion or removal from an area) and/or in time (preventing an activity taking place at certain times of day or year).

15. Proposals should include all adverse impacts which may be direct and/or indirect. Direct adverse impacts, for example, could include preventing the existing use of an area by recreational boating. Indirect impacts could include increased competition in another area, created by fishing activity displaced from the proposal area, with consequential impacts on local ports, tourism, the environment, and recreational users obliged to use an area that was previously only used by shipping.

16. To reduce conflict and enhance compatibility, proposals should show they will, in order of preference: minimise or mitigate adverse social impacts of displacement. For example, impacts could be minimised through adjusting the:

• area used; or • the times of the day or year when activities are operating.

17. Mitigation may include identification of alternative areas for the existing activity or

support for new activities that generate similar social benefits to those displaced.

18. Public authorities should consider compliance with legislation and regulations including environmental impact assessments and social impact assessments where already required. Enhancement is not a substitute for avoidance,minimisation or mitigation measures.

19. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on social benefits.

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20. Inclusion of supporting information does not indicate that approval of the proposal

will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans. Signposting

21. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Marine Policy Statement (2.5.2 and 2.5.3) • European Maritime and Fisheries Fund • Coastal Communities Fund

22. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Maximising the socio-economic benefits of marine planning for English coastal communities (MMO)

• Social Impacts of Fisheries, Aquaculture, Recreation, Tourism and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Marine Plan Areas in England (MMO 1035)

• Social Impacts and Interactions between Marine Sectors (MMO 1060)

23. See also related policies: NE-ACC-1, NE-ACC-2, NE-TR-1, NE-TR-2, NE-EMP-1, NE-EMP-2, NE-FISH-1, NE-FISH-2, NE-FISH-4, NE-SOC-3, NE-BIO-1, NE-BIO-3, NE-BIO-4, NE-MPA-1, NE-MPA-6, NE-WQ-1, NE-ML-2, NE-SCP-1, NE-HER-1, NE-CO-1.

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Policy Template – NE-SOC-3

High Level Marine Objective

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s)

There is equitable access for those who want to use and enjoy the coast, seas and their wide range of resources and assets, and recognition that for some island and peripheral communities the sea plays a significant role in their community.

Grouping Social (knowledge and awareness)

Code NE-SOC-3

Policy NE-SOC-3: Knowledge and awareness Proposals that increase the understanding and enjoyment of the marine environment (including the natural, historic and social value) for the promotion of conservation management and increased education, and skills, should be supported.

What is knowledge and awareness? 1. Knowledge and awareness includes information, understanding and appreciation of

the natural, historic environment and social value for those who live, work or enjoythe north east marine plan areas. An increased understanding and awareness of themarine environment, its natural processes, heritage assets and culture can providebenefits to conservation management and the quality of life, health and wellbeing ofcoastal communities.

2. The Marine Policy Statement (2.5.4) states that ‘The marine environment providesnational economic and social benefits including for heritage assets, seascape andsocial value of coastal and marine activities, as well as directly contributing to thequality of life and wellbeing of coastal communities. Marine planning will alsotherefore make an important contribution towards ensuring vibrant and sustainablecoastal communities, helping to build strong local economies and improving qualityof life, access to, and enjoyment of their marine areas.’

3. The influence of a proposal in an area including its effects on the marineenvironment, its wildlife, iconic views and cultural heritage may not be constrained tothe marine plan area. The effects a development may have on an area may be feltmore broadly including the areas sense of place, its visitor numbers or wellbeing ofcoastal communities.

Where is knowledge and awareness in the north east marine plan areas?4. Knowledge and awareness is held in the understanding and appreciation of those

who live, work and enjoy the north east marine plan areas. There are numerousconurbations along the coast with varying levels of population and diverse socialtypologies. These include a number of tourist hotspots which attract visitors to thearea.

5. Access to amenities including blue flag beaches, tourism and recreation, iconiclandscapes and seascapes, heritage assets and local landmarks are prevalent.

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Areas designated for environmental protection have had varying levels of success in raising the knowledge, and understanding, across the plan areas. When is knowledge and awareness in the north east marine plan areas?

6. A proposal should seek to enhance understanding and appreciation of the marine environment (natural, historic and social value) throughout its development including construction, operation and the legacy left by the development or activity once it ceases Why is knowledge and awareness important to the north east marine plan areas?

7. The Marine Policy Statement (3.11.4) states that, ‘Tourism can provide environmental benefits through helping to enhance understanding and appreciation of the marine environment through activities such as eco-tourism and nature watching. Socio-economic benefits include positive economic benefits through increased visitor numbers and improved access. Outdoor recreation and enjoyment of the coast can also provide benefits to physical and mental wellbeing.’

8. There are many benefits which can be realised from an increased knowledge and awareness of the marine environment (natural, historic and social value) for those who live, work and enjoy the north east marine plan areas such as:

• An appreciation of the area including its landscape and seascape can improve social factors such as health and wellbeing, and develop a sense of place or ownership of an area. This fosters community cohesion, pride and passion for an area which raises aspirations and stimulates the local economy.

• An increased understanding and appreciation can benefit the natural environment and the many species which are native to the plan area. This may result in more effective conservation management schemes or a reduction in pollution including plastics, litter on beaches and the disturbance to wildlife including marine mammals and bird nesting sites.

• Heritage assets are also under threat from increased access from tourism and recreation activities. Impacts on historic buildings require great appreciation for their setting in the landscape so they can be conserved for future generations. Smaller but equally significant assets require greater awareness. The impact of increased number of people visiting an area and the coastal erosion on buried or submerged heritage assets results in assets being lost before they are discovered.

Who is this of interest to?

9. Applicants or proponents in shaping and influencing what they may wish to do where and how they may wish to do it

10. All public authorities; Marine Management Organisation licensing, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Terrestrial Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Coastal Partnerships.

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11. Bodies administering other management plans and landscape designations/

definitions including National parks, AONBs, Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans, Conservation Areas and the statutory heritage designations. How should the policy be applied?

12. Proposals that enhance the understanding, and enjoyment, and/or increase the awareness, and appreciation, of the marine environment (natural, historic and social value) for the promotion of conservation management, education and/or provision of skills should be encouraged.

13. Whist conservation management processes will be administered directly through environmental and heritage marine plan policy, this policy contributes to the awareness of adverse impacts by enhancing awareness and understanding of the natural and historic environment.

14. Proposals should consider how knowledge and awareness can be delivered throughout its development including construction, operation and the legacy left by the development or activity once it ceases to realise the benefits set out in the Marine Policy Statement. This may include admission to onsite archaeological excavations, viewing platforms to enable public access to the marine environment, information points describing the site aiding the development of a sense of place, cultural heritage and wellbeing.

15. Public authorities should consult with the relevant regulators and advisors, local authorities and other relevant bodies to make sure that access for the purposes of increased public awareness, knowledge and enjoyment does not have a significant adverse impact on the marine environment (natural, historic and social value).

16. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on the understanding and enjoyment of the marine environment (including the natural, historic and social value) for the promotion of conservation management and increased education, and skills. Signposting

17. Existing measures which relate, and may contribute, to the achievement of this policy include:

• Marine Policy Statement (2.5.4) (3.11.4) (NE-SOC-3) • 25 Year Environment Plan • National Policy Planning Framework • Local authorities (districts, unitary authorities, and counties) set out locally

specific plans for activities that enable diversification of economic activity through measures in related statutory plans:

• Marine Plan Policy: NE-HER-1, NE-SCP-1, NE-ACC-1, NE-TR-1, NE-TR-2, NE-MPA-1, NE-MPA-2, NE-DIST-1. NE-DIST-2, NE-BIO-1

Landscape designations

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• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Heritage coasts • National Parks • World Heritage Sites UK

Tourism and access

• Visit Britain, Destination Management Plans • Planning and access for disabled people: a good practice guide • Natural England’s coastal path provides right of access around the coast of

England. It will increasingly play an important role in how people access the marine area.

• Sustainable Tourism in England: A framework for action • Managing marine recreational activities (NECR242)

Waste and litter

• The Litter Strategy for England 2017 • The Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 • Marine strategy part three: UK programme of measures • OSPAR Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter 2014 • G7 Action Plan to Combat Marine Litter • Environmental Protection Act 1990 • The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales)

Regulations 2017 • The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 • River Basin Management Plans covering the north east inshore marine plan

areas • Guidance on applying the waste hierarchy • WRAP the UK plastics pact • National planning policy for waste • Operation Clean Sweep – reducing plastic pellet loss to the environment

Heritage assets

• Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries: Offshore Renewables Projects” (The Crown Estate)

• Historic England guidance for users of the marine environment, which should be considered by those undertaking activities that may impact upon the historic environment: - Morphe Project Managers Guide - Conservation Principles - Guidance for Divers - Marine Licensing and England’s Historic Environment - Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment - The Setting of Heritage Assets (2nd Edition)

• Historic Environment Records provide detailed information on historic assets at a local level

• Rapid coastal zone assessment reports include assessments of existing terrestrial, shoreline and intertidal assessments as a means of improving understanding of the submerged heritage

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Environment, Biodiversity and MPAs Existing measures which relate to and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 • Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 • Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

18. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Statutory conservation advice packages for marine protected areas 0-12nm (Natural England)

• Statutory conservation advice packages for marine protected areas 12-200nm (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)

• Joint Nature Conservation Committee Marine Protected Area mapper • Climate Change Act 2009 • Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 • Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 • Town and Country planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations

2017 • Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services • Conservation Advice Packages • Estuary Edges: Ecological Design Advice • Features of Conservation Importance (FOCI) identified by JNCC • S41 List

Disturbance

• Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 • Conservation of Offshore Marine Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 • Harbours Act 1964 • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 • Environmental Protection Act 1990 • The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 • The Conservation of Seals Act • Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 • The deliberate disturbance of marine European Protected Species • JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury to marine mammals from

geophysical surveys • JNCC Guidelines for minimising the risk of injury to marine mammals from

using explosives • Standard Marking Schedule for Offshore Installations • Maritime Coastguard Agency Marine Guidance Note MGN 371 • National Policy Statements for Energy Infrastructure • Guidelines to reduce the impact of offshore installations lighting on birds in the

OSPAR maritime area

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Plan area North East Grouping Tourism and Recreation Related High Level Marine Objectives (HLMO).

Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing to resilient and cohesive communities that can adapt to coastal erosion and flood risk, as well as contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.

Other relevant policies NE-PS-3 NE-REN-1 NE-FISH-1 NE-SCP-1

Are these policies consistent across other plan areas?

NW SE SW

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Policy drafting template – NE-TR-1

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing to resilient and cohesive communities that can adapt to coastal erosion and flood risk, as well as contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.

Grouping Tourism and recreation Code NE-TR-1

Policy NE-TR-1 Proposals supporting, promoting or facilitating sustainable tourism and recreation activities where appropriate, or where this creates appropriate additional utilisation of related facilities beyond typical usage patterns, should be supported.

What is tourism and recreation? 1. Tourism can be defined as the activities of persons (often recreational in nature)

travelling to and staying in, places outside their usual environment. Recreation refersto an activity of leisure, carried out by local residents near where they live and intheir discretionary time.

2. The sea provides a variety of tourism and recreational opportunities. These varyfrom area to area and will include pleasure boating, sailing, recreational diving(including diving on wrecks), sea angling, kayaking and surfing, as well asexploration of underwater and coastal heritage assets. The coast also providesinspiration for a range of artistic and cultural activities and food-based tourism withgrowing interest in eco-tourism and wildlife experiences. All these activities cangenerate a considerable amount of income for the economy and can be a mainstayfor many coastal towns, supporting their quality of life, and providing health andwellbeing benefits, with many local businesses relying on the marine environment fortheir livelihoods. These activities will be enhanced by a well-managed and healthymarine environment, attractive and well-maintained beaches, seashore and cleanbathing water. Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2)

Where is tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan area?3. The many sandy beaches and wild coastline in the north and south of the plan area

have long been a draw for visitors leading to the growth of villages like Bamburgh,Alnmouth, Warkworth as well as Holy Island. Whitby, Filey and Scarborough have along heritage as popular tourist destinations. Scarborough is thought to be one of theworld’s oldest seaside resorts. The area also contains several blue flag beaches

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4. The Tees, Tyne and Wear coastal waters are the busiest parts of the coastal waters off the north east coast of England, including shipping lanes, ferry terminals and recreational boating areas (recreational sailing yachts travelling from Newcastle to the Netherlands). This stretch of coastal water is characterised by proximity to and views of a settled lowland coast, which is brightly lit at night and attracts many visitors. Lighthouses include Souter Point and St Mary’s, although there are many other lights along this coast. Harbours are defended by walls, breakwaters and piers, particularly at Tees Mouth, Hartlepool, Seaham, Sunderland, Tynemouth, Blyth and Saltburn.

5. Further north the coast is much quieter with fewer shipping lanes making recreation more important. Smaller fishing and recreational vessels characterise the inshore waters around Amble, Alnmouth, Craster, Seahouses, the Farnes, Holy Island and Berwick. Historic NewcastleNewcastle with its seven bridges is a big draw for tourists from where many explore the coast further. Busy ferry terminals include Newcaslte,

6. There are sightings of cetaceans and marine mammals, including breeding populations of white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and grey seals right down the North West coast but particularly off the coast of Newcastle and Sunderland as well as off Scarbourough and Flamborough. Some eco-tourism does exist for marine mammals including whale watching tours operating from Whitby as well as passenger ferries travelling to the Netherlands. Nevertheless opportunities arise for additional, sustainable eco-tourism.

7. The England Coast Path in the north east will stretch from the Scottish Border south to the Wash in East Anglia. Passing stunning beaches, castles, tiny fishing villages, famous seaside resorts and stunning landscape features it offers walkers the opportunity to experience some of England’s most varied coastline. A large section of the path is open from Filey Brigg all the way to South Bents (with the exception of a small section near Middlesbrough). When does tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan area take place?

8. Both tourism and recreation are subject to seasonal highs and lows throughout the year and across the plan area with higher visitor numbers during the spring and summer months especially around historic buildings, seabird reserves, wrecks (through diving activities) and general access to the marine environment. Many seaside towns have developed cultural facilities to attract visitors all year round, although some marine activities will of necessity be restricted by the weather and many family holidays are taken during the summer school holidays. Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2) Construction should show evidence of regard for environmental implications in particular those on seasonal species such as over wintering birds or other migratory species. Why is tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan area important?

9. Tourism and recreation are important, established sectors within the north east marine plan area. It terms of direct gross value added the north east received around £1.5 billion from tourism in 2013 (Office of National Statistics, 2016) However, they need to be stronger, provide a greater range of opportunities for employment and improve resilience to times of economic uncertainty. This can be achieved through diversification and sustainability. Diversification may also reduce

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adverse impacts on natural and historic heritage assets upon which some activities are based, and people’s experience of them.

10. The Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2) recognises that tourism can offer a number of benefits and costs to individuals and local communities specifically in terms of development, town characteristics and well-being effects. These effects can help inform the types of marine activities that could be used to encourage and attract tourism to coastal town and city areas and develop new strains of tourism such as eco-tourism.

11. Tourism and recreation activities are recognised as important contributors to local economies and as sources of income for coastal communities. The recreational boating industry has been estimated to contribute £1.042 billion to the UK economy. The total economic impact of recreational sea angling in the UK was £2.1bn of spending, supporting 23,600 FTE jobs and almost £980 million of GVA once indirect and induced effects were accounted for. Coastal communities directly benefit when good fishing attracts anglers (DEFRA MF1221).

12. Tourism and recreation also provides many social benefits for communities such as improved health (mental and physical) and wellbeing, greater social cohesion and job creation. With tourism forecast to increase by 4% annually through to 2025 (Deloitte, 2013) it is essential that it is managed sustainably with focus on diversification and on sectors like sustainable eco-tourism. Who is this of interest to?

13. All public authorities; Marine Management Organisation licensing, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Terrestrial Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, tourism promotion agencies, destination management organisations, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Coastal Partnerships, Scottish Government.

14. includingNorth York Moors National Parks, AONBsPark Authority, AONBs’ and Heritage Coasts’ management bodies, neighbourhood management plans. How should this policy be applied?

15. Proposals for tourism and recreation that support diversification of activities and use of facilities beyond typical usage patterns (in both time and location) should be supported where they can show no negative environmental, social or economic impacts.

16. Proposals should demonstrate how different types of activity add value to the offer and identify how diversity will strengthen the sector and increase the sustainable socio-economic benefits for coastal communities (including addressing the challenges outlined in Sustainable Tourism in England: A framework for action).

17. Proposals should encourage and enable more frequent recreational use by local populations but should at all times consider maintenance or enhancement of the

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quality of the natural environment, seascape and heritage assets in line with the other plan objectives (both terrestrial and marine).

18. Public authorities should identify where opportunities for diversification exist, including tourism and recreation activities which are outside of established patterns of use and seasons.

19. Public authorities should make sure that the development and/or diversification of activities should not be to the detriment of already successful (in some cases seasonal) tourism and recreation (both marine and terrestrial). This will avoid adverse effects on existing economic and social benefits for local people and visitors.

20. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on tourism and recreation activities. Signposting

21. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Local authorities (districts, unitary authorities, and counties) set out locally specific plans for activities that enable diversification of economic activity through measures in related statutory plans:

o List of relevant local authority plans to be added here • Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) that overlap with the North East Marine

Plan Area are: List to be added. • Economic baseline assessment for the North East, North West, South East

and South West marine plans • Sustainable Tourism in England: A framework for action • Marine Policy Statement (3.1) • National Planning Policy Framework (see box 3) • Water Framework Directive

22. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Social impacts of fisheries, aquaculture, recreation, tourism and marine protected areas (MPAs) in marine plan areas in England (MMO 1035)

• Managing marine recreational activities (NECR242) • Marine Information System (Recreational Models MMO1064 and RYA

Recreational Boating layers)

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Policy drafting template – NE-TR-2

HLMO Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society

Sub bullet(s) The use of the marine environment is benefiting society as a whole, contributing to resilient and cohesive communities that can adapt to coastal erosion and flood risk, as well as contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.

Grouping Tourism and recreation Code NE-TR-2

Policy NE-TR-2 Proposals for all developments must demonstrate that if have they have a significant adverse impacts on tourism and recreation activities and on the components of the marine and coastal ecosystem that support them and other natural capital services they will, in order of preference: a) avoidb) minimisec) mitigate that impact.

What is tourism and recreation? 1. Tourism can be defined as the activities of persons (often recreational in nature)

travelling to and staying in, places outside their usual environment. Recreation refersto an activity of leisure, carried out by local residents near where they live and intheir discretionary time.

2. The sea can provide a variety of tourism and recreational opportunities. These willvary from area to area but will include pleasure boating, sailing, recreational diving(including diving on wrecks), sea angling, kayaking and surfing, as well asexploration of underwater and coastal heritage assets. The coast also providesinspiration for a range of artistic and cultural activities and food-based tourism. Thereis also growing interest in eco-tourism and wildlife experiences. All these activitiescan generate a considerable amount of income for the economy and can be amainstay for many coastal towns, supporting their quality of life, and providing healthand wellbeing benefits, with many local businesses relying on the marineenvironment for their livelihoods. These activities will be enhanced by a well-managed and healthy marine environment, attractive and well-maintained beaches,seashore and clean bathing water. Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2)

Natural capital3. Natural capital is the sum of our ecosystems, species, freshwater, land, soils,

minerals, our air and our seas. These are all elements of nature that either directly orindirectly bring value to people and the country at large. They do this in many ways

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but chiefly by providing us with food, clean air and water, wildlife, energy, wood, recreation and protection from hazards. Where does tourism and recreation take place in the north east marine plan area?

4. The many sandy beaches and wild coastline in the north and south of the plan area have long been a draw for visitors leading to the growth of villages like Bamburgh, Alnmouth, Warkworth as well as Holy Island. Whitby, Filey and Scarborough have a long heritage as popular tourist destinations. Scarborough is thought to be one of the world’s oldest seaside resorts. The area also containes several blue flag beaches.

5. The Tees, Tyne and Wear coastal waters are the busiest parts of the coastal waters off the northeast coast of England, including shipping lanes as well as recreational boating areas (including recreational sailing yachts travelling from Newcastle to the Netherlands). This stretch of coastal water is characterised by proximity to and views of a settled lowland coast, which is brightly lit at night and attracts visitors. Lighthouses include Souter Point and St Mary’s, although there are many other lights along this coast. Harbours are defended by walls, breakwaters and piers, particularly at Tees Mouth, Hartlepool, Seaham, Sunderland, Tynemouth and Blyth.

6. Further north, the coast is much quieter with fewer shipping lanes making recreation more important. Smaller fishing and recreational vessels characterise the inshore waters around Amble, Alnmouth, Craster, Seahouses, the Farnes, Holy Island and Berwick. Historic Newcastle with its seven bridges is a big draw for tourists from where many explore the coast further.

7. Off the coast of Newcastle and Sunderland there are regular sightings of cetaceans and marine mammals, including breeding populations of white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and grey seals. Some eco-tourism does exist for marine mammals including whale watching tours operating from Whitby as well as passenger ferries travelling to the Netherlands. Nevertheless, opportunities remain for additional, sustainable eco-tourism.

8. The England Coast Path in the north east will stretch from the Scottish Border to the Wash. Passing stunning beaches, castles, tiny fishing villages, famous seaside resorts and stunning landscape features it offers walkers the opportunity to experience some of England’s most varied coastline. A large section of the path is open from Filey Brigg all the way to South Bents (with the exception of a small section near Middlesbrough). When does tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan area take place?

9. Both tourism and recreation are subject to seasonal highs and lows throughout the year and across the plan area with higher visitor numbers during the spring and summer months especially around historic buildings, seabird reserves, wrecks (through diving activities) and general access to the marine environment. Many seaside towns have developed cultural facilities to attract visitors all year round, although some marine activities will of necessity be restricted by the weather and many family holidays are taken during the summer school holidays. Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2) Construction should show evidence of regard for environmental implications in particular those on seasonal species such as over wintering birds or other migratory species.

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Why is tourism and recreation in the north east marine plan area important?

10. Tourism and recreation are important, established sectors within the north east marine plan area. It terms of direct gross value added the North East received around £1.5 billion from tourism in 2013 (Office of National Statistics, 2016)

11. However, they need to be stronger, provide a greater range of opportunities for employment and improve resilience to times of economic uncertainty. This can be achieved through diversification and sustainability. Diversification may also reduce adverse impacts on natural and historic heritage assets upon which some activities are based, and people’s experience of them.

12. The Marine Policy Statement (3.11.2) recognises that tourism can offer a number of benefits and costs to individuals and local communities specifically in terms of development, town characteristics and well-being effects. These effects can help inform the types of marine activities that could be used to encourage and attract tourism to coastal town and city areas and develop new strains of tourism such as eco-tourism.

13. Tourism and recreation activities are recognised as important contributors to local economies and as sources of income for coastal communities. The recreational boating industry has been estimated to contribute £1.042 billion to the UK economy. The total economic impact of recreational sea angling in the UK was £2.1bn of spending, supporting 23,600 FTE jobs and almost £980 million of GVA once indirect and induced effects were accounted for. Coastal communities directly benefit when good fishing attracts anglers (DEFRA MF1221).

14. Tourism and recreation also provides many social benefits for communities such as improved health (mental and physical) and wellbeing, greater social cohesion and it creates jobs. With tourism forecast to increase by 4% annually through to 2025 (Deloitte, 2013) it is essential that it is managed sustainably with focus on diversification and on sectors like eco-tourism. Who is this of interest to?

15. All public authorities; Marine Management Organisation licensing, Natural England, IFCA, PINS, BEIS, JNCC, MCA, Environment Agency, Terrestrial Planning Authorities, DCMS, Defra, Cefas, The Crown Estate, Historic England, Harbour Authorities, Oil and Gas Authority, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Flood Authorities, Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, DfT, MHCLG, Seafish, MOD, Home Office, Big Lottery Fund, Visit England, UK Hydrographic Office, Office of National Statistics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Coastal Partnerships, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, Isle of Man Government.

16. Other management plans and landscape designations/ definitions including National parks, AONBs and Heritage Coasts, neighbourhood management plans. How should this policy be applied?

17. Proposals for new developments or activities should demonstrate that they will, in order of preference, avoid, minimise or mitigate impact which result in the displacement of other existing or authorised (but yet to be implemented) activities that generate social benefits - proposals cannot proceed to (b) unless they have first demonstrated why they cannot meet (a) etc. Proposals should include supporting

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information demonstrating how they will enhance or promote tourism and recreation activities. Evidence in support of tourism and recreation activities is not a substitute for avoiding, mitigating or minimising adverse impacts. Examples of how adverse impacts can be avoided, minimised or mitigated include: changes to location, area used or the times of the day or year when activities occur, provision of space within the proposed area for the development or activity or an alternative, more or less suitable, location for the development or activity.

18. Inclusion of supporting information does not indicate that approval of the proposal will follow by default. That will also depend on other material considerations to be taken into account by the decision-maker which may include, for example, other plans.

19. If these criteria cannot be met by a proposal, where it requires an authorisation decision, it will only be authorised if there are relevant considerations in line with the Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) (Section 58(2)).

20. Proposals must include evidence of any recreation and tourism activities taking place in the subject area, or elsewhere which it potentially affects.

21. Proposals must demonstrate how they have considered tourism and recreation industry activities, including boating routes, to make sure existing activities can continue and grow. This should include a stakeholder consultation strategy and should be carried out early on in the process.

22. Proposals for change of use of existing static infrastructure that would be subject to relevant licensing and permission processes will need to comply with this policy.

23. Public authorities must assess potential impacts, positive and negative, direct and indirect, permanent and temporary, as well as cumulative effects on recreation and tourism activities. Adverse impacts may include restricting access to areas where recreation activities take place, reducing the length of the season within which tourists may visit a natural or historic heritage attraction, or any actual physical impact. Enhancement is not a substitute for avoidance, minimisation or mitigation measures.

24. Public authorities must take into account evidence of consultation with the tourism and recreation industry (including with the recreational boating sector), the outcome of those discussions and any mitigation required.

25. Public authorities, in line with their statutory duties, may need to bring forward proposals to maintain safe navigation within harbour areas or carry out emergency work, such as in response to a marine incident. These activities take precedence over others including recreational activities, see policy NE-PS-3 for more information.

26. In examining and determining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects, examining authorities and the secretary of state for The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government must have regard to this policy for nationally significant infrastructure projects that may have significant adverse impacts on tourism and recreation activities.

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27. This policy builds on the requirement in the environmental impact assessment process to identify issues and list receptors that may be affected by the proposal including the Public Right of Navigation. In assessing the impact of development on tourism and recreation including recreational boating, proposals must also include any provisions set out relating to the assessment of commercial shipping in those policy areas.

28. As some tourism and recreation growth can have a negative impact on the environment, and subsequently a negative impact on itself, its social benefits and associated economic impacts, public authorities and proposals must also consider objectives and policies that seek to protect biodiversity, historic heritage and seascape. Signposting

29. Existing measures which relate to, and may contribute to the achievement of this policy include:

• Local authorities (districts, unitary authorities, and counties) set out locally specific plans for activities that enable diversification of economic activity through measures in related statutory plans:

o List of relevant local authority plans to be added here • Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) that overlap with the North East Marine

Plan Area are: List to be added. • Economic baseline assessment for the North East, North West, South East

and South West marine plans • National Policy Statement for Energy EN-1 (S-REN-1) • Electricity Market Reform EMR (S-REN-1) • Renewable Energy Roadmap (S-REN-1) • Clean Growth Strategy (S-REN-1) • Resource mapping completed by The Crown Estate (S-REN-1) • Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (S-REN-1) • European Fisheries Areas Network Guides (S-FISH-1) • Marine Policy Statement (3.1) (NE-SCP-1) • National Planning Policy Framework (see box 3) • Solway Coast AONB Management Plan 2015-2020

30. Further information and guidance that may help in implementing the policy include:

• Social impacts of fisheries, aquaculture, recreation, tourism and marine protected areas (MPAs) in marine plan areas in England (MMO 1035)

• Managing marine recreational activities (NECR242) • Marine Information System (Recreational Models MMO1064 and RYA

Recreational Boating layers)